Boris Godunov (opera) fought an often losing battle against the conservatism of conductors and singers, who, raised on the plush Rimsky-Korsakov edition, found it impossible to adapt to Mussorgsky's comparatively unrefined and bleak original scores. Recently, however, a new appreciation for the rugged individuality of Mussorgsky's style has resulted in increasing performances and recording of his original versions. Musicologist Gerald Abraham wrote: For many, "Boris Godunov" is the greatest of all Russian operas because of its originality, drama, and characterization, regardless of any cosmetic imperfections it may possess. Models and influences A conflation of the 1869 and 1872 versions is often made when
Boris Godunov (1986 film) Boris Godunov (1986 film) Boris Godunov () is a 1986 drama film directed by and starring Sergei Bondarchuk. It is an adaptation of the play "Boris Godunov", written by Alexander Pushkin. The picture was co-produced by the Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and West Germany. It was entered into the 1986 Cannes Film Festival. The action takes place in Russia and Poland as the 16th century ends and the 17th century begins. The reign of Boris Godunov is depicted, his son Feodor, and the coming to power of False Dmitry I. After the death of the feeble-minded Tsar Fedor Ivanovich, son