Preferred Boris Godunov Ending

[PaulR]

Just an idle curiosity, but I have been thinking about this for myself.

The Original 1869 Version ends with the death of Boris Godunov, while the 1872 version adds the additional kromi forest scene that ends with the Holy Fool Weeping for Russia's future.

For me, I think I like the original version's ending better.  While the 1872 version might be closer to Pushkin in spirit (even though Mussorgsky invented the scene), I think the original version has a more conclusive ending of the drama itself due to the death of Boris.  I enjoy both endings though, and I do like how some modern productions include the Kromi forest scene in the otherwise 1869 version.

I'll expand my thoughts later.

[vandermolen]

Definitely the one with the Simpleton at the end. I saw a production in London years ago where he emerges from a pile of bodies on stage, sings his lament and then slowly sinks down again on the pile - I found it unbearably moving - truly wonderful and it has stayed with me ever since.