Rachmaninov : The Miserly Knight (Le Chevalier avare / Intégrale)

Album review

Rachmaninov's three completed operas, all one-acters, have failed to find a place in the repertoire, but Chandos seems to be on a mission to make a case for them. Its fine recording of Francesca da Rimini was released in 2007, and it already had one version of The Miserly Knight in its catalog, from 2004, with Valery Polyansky leading the Russian State Orchestra. This 2009 recording, featuring the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, is a strong presentation of a work that is not likely to have wide appeal. The opera, based on a verse play by Pushkin, is not inherently very dramatic and is somewhat muddled about where its sympathies lie regarding the basically unsympathetic characters. Rachmaninov's music is grandly late Romantic, with elements of both Tchaikovsky and Wagner running through it. It is darkly atmospheric and sweepingly passionate, but it seems essentially illustrative, following the drama rather than leading it, and little of it sticks in the memory. Several of the monologues, which were favorites of Chaliapin's, are fine showcases for a bass with dramatic flair, but their impact relies more on the intensity of the interpreter than on the material itself. Ildar Abdrazakov is impressive in the title role, and manages to create some understanding for the character, as well as conveying the selfishness of his obsession. The other singers in the all-male, almost all-Russian cast sing with polish and conviction. Noseda gives full rein to the score's surging Romanticism, and the BBC Philharmonic responds with warmth and intensity. Chandos' sound is clean and clear, but nicely atmospheric.

© TiVo

Details of original recording : 59:06 - DDD - Recorded in Studio 7, BBC New Broadcasting House, Manchester, 23 and 24 November 2008 and 21 April 2009