The Queen of Spades is one of Tchaikovsky's best works. In regard to his operas, I have more of a preference to Eugene Onegin but Queen of Spades is perhaps his most dramatically concise. This production from Bolshoi is very good and compelling. I personally do put the 1961 Tikhamirov film and the Felicty Palmer- as Countess- production over this one, but really stood out here was how authentic it sounded and looked, sounding and looking very Russian.
I found it a very elegant production to look at. The set design for Lisa's Act 3 scene on the bank of the canal is particularly splendid. The costumes are similarly costumes especially the Countess and Yeletsky's, and the dancing is fabulous. The orchestral playing has the lushness and power you would expect from any orchestra performing Tchaikovsky or any other late romantic. The first clarinet is especially good. Yuri Simonov's conducting is full of passion or spirit, nothing rushes or drags. The staging is compelling especially in Herman's soliloquy and in the card scene.
As for the performances they are very good. Particularly good is Elena Obraztsova's Countess, she is very intimidating and there is a rich fullness to her voice. Vladimir Atlantov I have often encountered criticisms of him being overly-stentorian. I can understand that, I find his singing thrilling and very strong though in want of more nuances. Dramatically he is right on the money, Herman's descent into madness is very intense. Tamara Milashkina is a vocally alluring Lisa, and there are times where she is authoritative and movingly melancholic. However, overall dramatically she is rather static, a little too stand-and-deliver and somewhat stereotypical too often. Yuri Mazourk is a passionate and eloquent Yeletsky, though some of his singing could have had more warmth and beauty to it.
Overall, compellingly authentic stuff if not my favourite. 8/10 Bethany Cox
