It is good to welcome back the pioneering (1952) mono Boris in which the celebrated Christoff sang not only Boris himself but Varlaam and Pimen. He skillfully varies his colour in these roles, but also gives a commanding account of Boris which is a triumph in every respect, as is Dobrowen’s direction—as vital and idiomatic as any version since. The youthful Nicolai Gedda is a magnificent Grigory and Eugenia Zareska is an unforgettable Marina. Kim Borg doubles as Shchelkalov and Rangoni. And there is more duplication of roles with Andrzej Bielecki as Prince Shuisky, Missail and Krushchov. The choral singing is very good and the French Radio Orchestra under Dobrowen sound as if they are all from Moscow. The set appeared briefly on EMI Références, but Mark Obert-Thorn’s transfer is equally fine—if not finer.