CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Prokofiev - War and Peace / Gergiev, Othotnikov, Kirov Opera

starring: Viacheslav Trofimov, Mikhail Chernozhukov, Svetlana Volkova, Mikhail Yegorov, Igor Yan
directed by: Humphrey Burton

Release Date July 10, 2003
This staging of "LfTO" is spare and modernistic, with minimal (but often inventive) sets and costumes, but the singing is first-rate and Nagano's conducting makes for an excellent handling of the music. The cast is young and vibrant (and even a bit sexy!) and the camera work helps keep you involved. A must if you are a Prokofiev fan; but it might be an eye-roller for someone looking for more traditional opera.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Mussorgsky - Khovanshchina / Abbado, Ghiaurov, Atlantov, Vienna State Opera

starring: Nicolai Ghiaurov, Vladimir Atlantov, Paata Burchuladze, Heinz Zednik, Joanna Borowska
directed by: Brian Large

Release Date March 27, 2001
While I liked the music from Mussorgsky's second most famous opera, the production was a distraction. After all, if one were only interested in the music a CD would suffice, wouldn't it?

I purchased this DVD before reading former reviewers comments on the bizarre (avante-garde? post-modern?) costumes and staging. It reminded me of the Kirov's production of "Boris Godunov" in the fall of 2006, which was equally disappointing.

My next Khovanshchina DVD will be one with historically appropriate costumes, props, and the like.

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Tchaikovsky - Pique Dame / Davis, Marusin, Gustafson, Palmer, London Philharmonic

starring: Yuri Marusin, Nancy Gustafson, Felicity Palmer, Sergei Leiferkus, Dmitri Kharitonov

Release Date December 14, 1999
I am writing this review to counter the bad ones here. This is a great production, both vocally and theatrically. The director's concept is wonderful and the singers are great. I recommend this DVD over any other one of this opera. What a joy.