MUSIC AND DANCE

GLINKA: “A Life for the Tsar.” Boris Martinovich, Alexandrina Pendachanska, Chris Merritt, Stefania Toczyska, others; forces of Sofia Opera, Emil Tchakarov, conductor (Sony S 3 K 46 487). Tchakarov’s efforts in the Russian operatic literature continue to impress. Warmth and color are once again in evidence for this splendid recording. Martinovich could perhaps use more variety of sound, but his dark bass is solid enough and he rises to the occasion in his great Forest monologue, delivered with requisite power. Pendachanska has some squally notes at the very top, but she delivers her Rondo with virtuosic panache. Most impressive is the Vanya of mezzo Toczyska, whose character has some of the most beautiful music in this nationalistic score. Merritt seems ill at ease with the Russian language and his sound is never ingratiating, but he has the top to sing Sobinin’s high-flying music as written. A usually cut trio is restored to the final scene, giving the rather abrupt ending more dramatic and musical flesh.