Boris Godunov review – Bryn Terfel wild-eyed and barking in Mussorgsky's relentless study of power

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Boris Godunov: A Descent into Madness at the Royal Opera House

The curtain falls on Richard Jones's haunting production of Mussorgsky's opera, Boris Godunov, with a brutal scene that sets the tone for the rest of the performance. The opening act is a harrowing flashback that introduces the audience to the protagonist, later revealed as Boris Godunov, and hints at the darkness that lies ahead.

Jones's set design is simple yet effective, with a single cavernous box that serves as the backdrop for the entire opera. The lighting is stunning, providing beautiful contrast between light and dark. However, it is Mussorgsky's score that truly brings the drama to life. The conductor, Mark Wigglesworth, expertly balances the music's muddiest passages with moments of tenderness and delicacy.

The cast delivers a strong performance, with standout roles from Adam Palka as Pimen and Andrii Kymach as Shchelkalov. Robert Berry-Roe shines in the role of Boris's son, bringing a sense of vulnerability to the character. Newcomers Alexander Roslavets as Varlaam and Jamez McCorkle as Grigory Otrepiev also impress with their nuanced portrayals.

But it is Bryn Terfel who truly steals the show as the titular character. His performance is raw and intense, capturing the complexity of Boris Godunov's troubled psyche. With a wild-eyed gaze and violent consonants, Terfel brings a sense of madness to the stage. Yet, his voice remains rich and supple, imbuing the character with a deep humanity that makes him ultimately relatable.

The pacing is relentless in this production, building towards a dramatic climax that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. With Mussorgsky's score pounding away beneath it all, Boris Godunov is an opera that refuses to let you go. It's a brutal and unflinching portrayal of power and madness, one that will linger long after the curtain falls.
 
🤩 just saw the most intense opera performance at the Royal Opera House - Boris Godunov 🎭💥. I'm still reeling from Bryn Terfel's raw and insane performance as the titular character... his wild eyes had me shivering 😱! The music was like a punch to the gut, so emotional & hauntingly beautiful 🎵. Can't wait to see this production again 👏. Richard Jones's set design was super minimalist but somehow worked magic ✨. And the cast? 👩‍🎤 Adam Palka and Andrii Kymach stole the show for me too 🤩! Overall, an unforgettable experience that left me speechless 😲.
 
I just watched this production of Boris Godunov at the Royal Opera House 🤩 and I'm still reeling from the experience! The set design is super simple but it really works to convey the drama unfolding on stage ⚡️. And that score by Mussorgsky, oh man! It's like a wild emotional rollercoaster 🎠. Bryn Terfel as Boris Godunov is absolutely insane in the best way possible 😂 - his performance has this raw intensity that just draws you in. The whole cast does an amazing job too, I loved Adam Palka as Pimen and Andrii Kymach as Shchelkalov 🤩. But seriously, this production is not to be missed!
 
I just watched this opera at the Royal Opera House 🎭 and I'm still reeling from it! The way they portrayed Boris Godunov as a complex character with a descent into madness was really captivating 😲. Bryn Terfel's performance was insane 🔥 - his voice, his movements, everything about him came together to create this intense portrayal of the title character. And Adam Palka's Pimen and Andrii Kymach's Shchelkalov were also amazing 👏. The music was incredible too 🎵, it really added to the drama and tension on stage. I loved how the opera kept you on the edge of your seat, wondering what would happen next! 😬 It's definitely an opera that will stay with me for a while... 👻
 
omg just saw this production 🤯💥 boris godunov is SO intense 😱 it's like watching a train wreck that you can't look away from 🚂👀 mark wigglesworth's conducting skills are EVERYTHING 🎵 and bryn terfel's performance as the titular character is absolute perfection 🙌 his voice is like butter for my soul 🍰😍 but what really gets me is how raw and honest the entire production feels 💔 it's not just an opera, it's an experience 🎭👀
 
omg just saw boris godunov @ royal opera house nd i'm SHOOK 🤯! Bryn terfel as boris is like WHOA!! his energy on stage is wild lol he's got this crazy intensity goin on but at the same time his voice is soooo good its hard to believe hes bein all mad and violent 😂🎭. and the rest of the cast is fire too 🤩 adam palka as pimen and andrii kymach as schelkalov are my faves they bring the drama 💥. anyone else catch this production? 👀
 
I JUST SAW THIS PRODUCTION OF BORIS GODUNOV AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE AND IT WAS MIND-BLOWING!!! 🤯 THE CAST WAS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION, ESPECIALLY BRYN TERFEL WHO PLAYED BORIS GODUNOV WITH SUCH INTENSITY AND PASSION IT WAS LIKE WATCHING A TRAIN WRECK IN SLOW MOTION!!! 😱 I ALSO LOVED HOW THEY USED LIGHTING TO CREATE THIS OMINOUS ATMOSPHERE - IT WAS LIKE THE CHARACTERS WERE STEPPING OUT OF A DREAM INTO NIGHTMARE 🌑. AND THAT SCORE BY MUSSORGSKY, OH MAN, IT'S LIKE SOMETHING FROM A DREAM (OR A NIGHTMARE, HAHA!)!!!
 
🤯 just saw this opera and man I'm still reeling from it! what struck me most was how it's like life itself - we can't control everything but our reactions to the darkness around us are all we can do. Boris Godunov's descent into madness is a metaphor for how quickly things can spiral out of control when we let fear and paranoia take over 💔.

and I love how the cast, especially Bryn Terfel, brought this raw humanity to their characters - it's like they're reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, we all have our own demons to fight. 🌪️
 
lol, just saw the new boris godunov opera @ royal opera house 🤯 and i gotta say, it's like totally insane! 😂 the set design is minimal but effective, kinda like a big empty box 📦 that serves as the whole show. and mussorgsky's score is like whoa, it's so dark & moody 🌑. the cast is on point tho, esp bryn terfel as boris, he's literally wild-eyed 🔪 and brings this crazy intensity to the role. anywayz, if u haven't seen it yet, def check it out, it's not 4 the faint of heart 😅
 
I'm loving this production of Boris Godunov at the Royal Opera House 🤩! The way they've woven together Mussorgsky's iconic score with Richard Jones's haunting set design is absolute magic ✨. Bryn Terfel's performance as Boris Godunov is just mesmerizing - his raw intensity and wild-eyed gaze had me on the edge of my seat 😲. And can we talk about Adam Palka's incredible portrayal of Pimen? He's bringing so much depth to that character, it's like a whole new side of the opera has opened up 🤝.

I also love how they've balanced out the brutal moments with tender and delicate passages - it's such a testament to Mark Wigglesworth's conducting skills. And what's really impressive is that even the newcomers are holding their own in some of these demanding roles 😌. Alexander Roslavets as Varlaam and Jamez McCorkle as Grigory Otrepiev are definitely worth keeping an eye on - they've got some amazing stuff to say 🤓.

One thing I will say is that the pacing can be a bit relentless at times, but honestly? That's kind of what makes it so brilliant ⏱️. It's like Mussorgsky's music is taking over and refusing to let you go 😅. Overall, this production is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves opera - don't miss out on the chance to experience Boris Godunov in all its raw, emotional glory 🎭
 
just saw this production of boris godunov at the royal opera house and I'm still reeling from it 😱 it was like watching a train wreck in slow motion - you know it's gonna end badly, but you can't look away 💥 mussorgsky's score is just hauntingly beautiful, it gives me chills every time 🎵 and bryn terfel as boris godunov? game. changer. he just loses himself completely in the character, it was like watching a raw nerve being pulled out 🔪 anyway, the whole production was top notch, from the set design to the cast's performances - this is an opera that'll stay with you long after it's over 💔
 
Bryn Terfel as Boris Godunov? What a complete transformation from last time I saw him 🤯💥 He completely owns this role with raw intensity 🔥 but somehow still manages to keep his voice all rich and stuff 😌 I mean, can't say I'm surprised though...he's always been good at playing the " tortured soul" vibe 👀. Pacing is indeed relentless, keeps you on edge throughout 🤬. Anyone else think this production is going to get them all the awards? 🏆
 
🤔 I'm so down for seeing this production of Boris Godunov at the Royal Opera House... I mean, Mark Wigglesworth is literally genius with Mussorgsky's score 😍. And Bryn Terfel just owns that stage as Boris Godunov 🙌. I love how his performance balances raw intensity with a deep humanity... I'm sold! 💥
 
🤔 I gotta say, Bryn Terfel's performance as Boris Godunov was way too intense for me lol 😅 it felt like he was trying to out-act himself at times, you know? Like, the guy's already playing a madman, no need to be extra 😂 but seriously, what's up with the pacing of this production? It feels like they're rushing us through the whole thing. I get that it's supposed to be dramatic and all, but can't we just take a breath for once? 🤯 I mean, I loved Bryn Terfel's performance, don't get me wrong, but sometimes less is more, right? 💪
 
I'm not surprised this production of Boris Godunov is getting so much hype. It's just another example of how classical music is always trying to suck the life out of you with its intense emotions and complex characters. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to put a wild-eyed Bryn Terfel on stage as some mad Russian tsar? He's just going to make you feel all the feels, but then take them away from you when it's over. And don't even get me started on the "haunting" set design - it's just one big cave with some weird lights and a lot of darkness. Perfect for creating an atmosphere of foreboding... or just plain old moodiness.
 
lol what's with this production? its like they're trying 2 make boris godunov look like a total psycho 🤣 but at the same time, bryn terfel's performance is straight fire 🔥 i mean, who else can pull off wild-eyed gazes & violent consonants while still sounding like a total human being? 🤯 plus, mark wigglesworth's conductor skills are on point, he's like the maestro of mussorgsky's score 🎶 overall, this production is intense & unrelenting, i'm pretty sure it'll leave u breathless... or maybe even questioning ur sanity 😂
 
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