Mannerheim at the Ilmajoki Music Festival, the 17th of June, 2017

MANNERHEIM

 

The Ilmajoki Music Festival has this and next summer in its programme an opera of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (a Finnish military leader and statesman). The opera is composed by Tuomas Kantelinen and libretto is by Laila Hirvisaari and Eve Hietamies (mother and daughter). The director is Tuomas Parkkinen.

Kantelinen’s music is rather musical-like, but as such rather beautiful. I do not think the music will become a part of music history, but it fit perfectly a summertime music festival and its outdoor stage. The setting by Marjatta Kuivasto and the costumes by Leena Rintala were really great and they must have been time-consuming to produce.

Unfortunately the libretto was (almost) total rubbish. The opera consists of short scenes and especially the first act was too fragmented. In the second act there was already some story line, but the lines were still as if written by school girls. Sometimes it was a bit hard to believe that both the librettists are actually well-known authors in Finland. The lines had this tone of “keep it simple, stupid” except in some very intensive moments.

Most of the soloists did well in their roles. The greatest impression to me made Essi Luttinen in the role of Mannerheim’s mother in the first act. Incredibly touching singing! Johanna Rusanen-Kartano as the housekeeper Ida Lankinen and Annami Hylkilä as Mannerheim’s sister did also great performances. In addition to them I have to mention Markus Suihkonen in the small role of Kalle Lankinen. His basso sounded really promising and I am looking forward to hearing him in future in bigger roles. I would also like to mention the fine performance of the little birds in the sidelines, who decided to compete with the opera singers with their twittering.

Unfortunately Valtteri Torikka did not completely succeed in the main role. His voice did ring in the lower register, but otherwise his singing sounded forced. I do not know if his difficulties are due to too many performances or crashing of technique, but in any case, he really should either rest or get regular singing lessons. For acting I would give him better points. He captured especially well the essence of the old Mannerheim and it was a pleasure to follow him in the second act.