"...What made Chaliapin arguably the greatest singer of the century was his capacity to convey a character in all moods and few characters in opera are as complex in this respect than Czar Boris. The way Chaliapin colours and covers his tone, and varies the stress on the words, brings the Czars’ many moods to life. The other parts are all well sung with the buffo bass of his time, Baccaloni, giving Varlaam plenty of presence and character. The recording has good orchestral sound and the conductor supports his singers well. In order not to lose vocal and instrumental overtones, it is the policy of the series not to remove clicks etc. Whilst some such noises are present (tr .1 2’50″), I did not find these to be excessive or disturbing. It must have been a memorable night at the opera!"
Robert J Farr
"...For all its limitations of sound and presentation, this Guild compilation is riveting listening"
Tully Potter
