LUTHER
Kari Tikka’s opera
Luther had its opening night in 2000 and I saw it already then. However, when Organ
Night and Aria Festival now is showing it in the Tapiola church in honour of
the anniversary of reformation, I wanted to refresh my memory. The church was
full of listeners. Perhaps this church was not the best possible place to
perform this opera. The singers and even the choir could be heard well (even
though they sung from different places), but the sound of the orchestra
sometimes totally disappeared (at least at my seat).
Tikka’s music is on
the other hand simple and on the other hand positively booming. A couple of
themes are repeated several times and why not, when they are impressive. The
audience had also a chance to participate by singing hymns between the scenes.
As a theme the life of Martin Luther gives a lot of opportunities. The devil
(Aki Alamikkotervo) had a very central role in the opera. But perhaps the most
important theme was (at least in my opinion) was love: love to Christ and love
between spouses.
The production by Juulia
Tapola was, taking into account the limitations of the space, rather successful.
Both the stage and the aisles were used nicely and especially the arrival of
singers to the stage in the beginning was worth seeing and hearing. Also the
costumes were suitable for this work. The dancers I did not find so necessary,
but on the other hand, they did not disturb the story either.
The soloists were
really good. Elja Puukko as Luther was good and so was Emriikka Salonen as
Käthe. I also liked the Luther Choir, who had members from different choirs in
the capital city area: great singers.
There is still one more
performance of the opera on Thursday the 8th of June, but the web
site of the Organ Night and Aria Festival claims it to be fully booked.
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| The Tápiola Church |
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| The performers |
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| The stage |
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