THE GOLDEN COCKEREL (Rimsky-Korsakov) (DVD)

Another important volume in VAI’s series of Russian operatic masterpieces, The Golden Cockerel (also known as “Le coq d’or,” or, in the original Russian, “Zolotoy Petushok”) was Rimsky-Korsakov’s last, and most modern opera. Completed in 1907, the opera’s biting satire of the Tsar and Russian imperialism made it controversial for its time, delaying the premiere until about a year after Rimsky-Korsakov’s death, in 1909. This DVD presents a stylistically authentic live 1986 performance by the Yerevan Alexander Spendiaryan State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, under the direction of the company’s Music Director, Aram Katanian. Includes optional subtitles in English, French, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
Color, Mono, 123 minutes, 4:3, All regions

THE GOLDEN COCKEREL
Opera in Three Acts
Music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Libretto by Vladimir Belsky (after Pushkin)

Cast:
King Dodon - GRIGOR GONDJIAN
Prince Gvidon - RUBEN KUBELIAN
Amelfa, a Housekeeper - MARIETTA SHAKHVERDIAN
Queen of Shemakha - ELLADA CHAKHOYAN
Golden Cockerel - SUSANNA MARTIROSIAN
General Polkan - HAROUTUN KARADJIAN
Prince Afron - SERGEY SHUSHARDJIAN
Astrologer - GRAND AIVAZIAN

Orchestra, Chorus, Ballet, and Mime Troupe of
Yerevan Alexander Spendiaryan
State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

Aram Katanian, Music Director and Conductor

Video Director: Roman Tikhomirov
Production Design: Ivan Sevastianov

Live Performance, 1986