Boris Godunov
Theatre Costume
early 20th century (made)
early 20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Costume for Boris Godunov worn by Feodor Chaliapin in the Coronation Scene of Modeste Mussorgsky's opera Boris Godunov.
Feodor Chaliapin first appeared in the title role of the tsar, Boris Godunov, at the Solodovnikov Theatre, Moscow, in 1898. The opera was performed in the version revised by Rimsky-Korsakov in 1896. Chaliapin became closely associated with the role of Boris. His first appearance outside Russia was as Boris in Serge Diaghilev's Russian Opera season in Paris in 1908, which used another version of the score, created by Rimsky-Korsakov in the same year. The London premiere of this revision took place at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1913, again with Chaliapin.
Chaliapin wore several versions of the Coronation robe in the course of his career. The robe in the V&A's collection stayed in Chaliapin's possession for many years. It is not the costume worn in the Paris premiere of Boris Godunov: all the costumes worn in Paris were purchased by Giulio Gatti-Casazza, the general manager of New York's Metropolitan Opera, for the American premiere in 1913, which did not feature Chaliapin.
Feodor Chaliapin first appeared in the title role of the tsar, Boris Godunov, at the Solodovnikov Theatre, Moscow, in 1898. The opera was performed in the version revised by Rimsky-Korsakov in 1896. Chaliapin became closely associated with the role of Boris. His first appearance outside Russia was as Boris in Serge Diaghilev's Russian Opera season in Paris in 1908, which used another version of the score, created by Rimsky-Korsakov in the same year. The London premiere of this revision took place at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1913, again with Chaliapin.
Chaliapin wore several versions of the Coronation robe in the course of his career. The robe in the V&A's collection stayed in Chaliapin's possession for many years. It is not the costume worn in the Paris premiere of Boris Godunov: all the costumes worn in Paris were purchased by Giulio Gatti-Casazza, the general manager of New York's Metropolitan Opera, for the American premiere in 1913, which did not feature Chaliapin.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 6 parts. (Some alternative part names are also shown below)
|
| Title | Boris Godunov (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Costume for Boris Godunov worn by Feodor Chaliapin in the Coronation Scene of Boris Godunov |
| Physical description | Costume for Boris Godunov worn by Feodor Chaliapin in the Coronation Scene of Boris Godunov. S.459-1979 Full length heavily jewelled robe of gold metal cloth, set with designs in red and green 'jewels' and pearls. The silk lining is painted in a pattern in blue and pink. S.459A-1979 Broad collar painted with icons. S.459B-1979 Elaborately decorated right boot. The boots were acquired with the costume. Though worn by Chaliapin, they were not worn in Boris Godunov. They may have been worn in Prince Igor. S.459C-1979 Elaborately decorated left boot. S.459D-1979 Chased gold metal Russian crown, studded with 'jewels' and topped with a cross studded with pearls. Around the base is a fur band (modern replacement). S.459E-1979 Heavy gold metal neck chain with gold cross. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Literary reference | Boris Godunov |
| Summary | Costume for Boris Godunov worn by Feodor Chaliapin in the Coronation Scene of Modeste Mussorgsky's opera Boris Godunov. Feodor Chaliapin first appeared in the title role of the tsar, Boris Godunov, at the Solodovnikov Theatre, Moscow, in 1898. The opera was performed in the version revised by Rimsky-Korsakov in 1896. Chaliapin became closely associated with the role of Boris. His first appearance outside Russia was as Boris in Serge Diaghilev's Russian Opera season in Paris in 1908, which used another version of the score, created by Rimsky-Korsakov in the same year. The London premiere of this revision took place at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1913, again with Chaliapin. Chaliapin wore several versions of the Coronation robe in the course of his career. The robe in the V&A's collection stayed in Chaliapin's possession for many years. It is not the costume worn in the Paris premiere of Boris Godunov: all the costumes worn in Paris were purchased by Giulio Gatti-Casazza, the general manager of New York's Metropolitan Opera, for the American premiere in 1913, which did not feature Chaliapin. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.459&E-1979 |
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| Record created | February 22, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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