Glinka Ruslan And Lyudmila (gergiev, Netrebko) [1995]

Glinka's RUSLAN AND LYUDMILLA, based on a Pushkin fairy tale, is probably the second greatest Russian opera, after Mussorgsky's BORIS GODUNOV. Unfortunately, it is very little known and rarely performed in the West. So it's great news that this excellent production is now available. Like the other Kirov/Gergiev operas on video and DVD, this one is a class production with fine ensemble work. The sound and technical quality is excellent. If you have any interest in Russian opera, this is a must-have. By wvmcl

There is not much to fault in this quintessentially Russian opera with the lavish staging and fantastic costumes surely a feat to the eye. You cannot find much fault on the musical side of things either as many have expressed their opinion that this remains the finest version of the opera by a mile. The charismatic and almost demonic Gergiev conducts with his systematic, unabated passion for music which is most certainly in his blood and his players definitely do him proud. The cast is also top notch on all counts with Netrebko and Gorchakova particularly impressive.