DVD + Blu-Ray:
The Golden Cockerel staged by Barrie Kosky

Rimsky-Korsakov’s final opera The Golden Cockerel staged by a specialist in Russian opera Barrie Kosky at the Opéra National de Lyon.

Opera in three acts (1907) / Sung in Russian
Libretto by Vladimir I. Belsky / Based on The Tale of the Golden Cockerel by Alexander Pushkin.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Golden Cockerel (Le Coq d’or) is based on a Pushkin folk tale, but the opera’s Orientalism, comedy and sultry elements go far beyond its original influence. The composer saw in the story of a Tsar, punished for his cowardice and despotism, an opportunity to employ satire to condemn Russia’s autocratic ruler, Nicholas II. This new production premiered in May 2021 and was staged by the Australian director, Barrie Kosky, a specialist in Russian opera. Critics hailed the ‘glorious’ singing of Dmitry Ulyanov and the ‘exquisite’ performance of Nina Minasyan calling the event ‘a triumphant evening for all concerned’ (Bachtrack.com).

Tsar Dodon – Dmitry Ulyanov, bass
The Queen of Shemakha – Nina Minasyan, soprano
The Astrologer – Andrey Popov, tenor
Amelfa – Margarita Nekrasova, mezzo-soprano
General Polkan – Mischa Schelomianski, bass

Orchestre et Choeurs de l’Opéra National de Lyon
Conductor – Daniele Rustioni
Stage Director – Barrie Kosky

Film Director – François Roussillon
Filmed on 18 and 20 May 2021 at the Opéra National de Lyon, France

[2.110731 / NBD0150V]
Total playing time: 128 minutes
Language: Russian · Subtitles: English, German, French, Japanese, Korean
DVD: NTSC 16:9 · PCM stereo and DTS 5.1 · DVD 9 · Region: 0 (Worldwide)
Blu-ray: HD 16:9 · PCM stereo and DTS-MA 5.1 · BD 50 · Region: A, B, C