Mark Reizen- Dosifey's 1st act scene from Khovanshchina

The great Ukrainian-born Jewish bass Mark Reizen (1895-1992) makes his 1st act entrance as Dosifey, leader of the Old Believers, in Mussorgsky's "Khovanshchina": "...A time of bleakness and spiritual destruction has come upon us...".

Taken from a late 1950's Mosfilm version of the opera (directed by Vera Stroyeva), this video captures Reizen towards the end of his distinguished stage career. The sonorous voice is still in top form, and (as always) his singing and presence are absolutely authoritative. Aleksei Krivchenya sings the role of Ivan Khovansky.

Видео Mark Reizen- Dosifey's 1st act scene from Khovanshchina канала khankonchak