Composer: Mikko Heiniö
Works: The Knight and the Dragon (1999/2000)
Performers: Curt Appelgren (bass-baritone), Helena Juntunen (soprano), Charlotte Hellekant (mezzo-soprano), Göran Sköld, Rúni Brattaberg (bass), Sören Drake, Aki Alamikkotervo (tenor), Sari Nordqvist (contralto), Mia Huhta (soprano), Turku Opera Chorus, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra/Ulf Söderblom
Recording: Turku Concert Hall, November 2000
Label: BIS
Mikko Heiniö’s “The Knight and the Dragon,” composed between 1999 and 2000, emerges as a significant contribution to the modern operatic landscape, particularly in the Finnish context. Commissioned to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Turku Cathedral, the opera draws upon the archetypal legend of St. George and the Dragon, a narrative that resonates with themes of valor, duality, and the perennial struggle between light and darkness. Heiniö, often categorized as a post-modernist, transcends mere stylistic labels, crafting a work that is both direct and richly textured, revealing his deep understanding of operatic form and dramatic expression.
The performance captured in this 2000 recording is marked by a palpable sense of urgency and commitment from both the soloists and the Turku Opera Chorus. The orchestration, masterfully executed by the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra under Ulf Söderblom, is colorful and accessible, showcasing Heiniö’s keen ability to blend lyrical melodies with dramatic tension. Notably, the contrasting choral forces—embodied by the Light and Dark Choruses—are distinctly characterized, with the darker elements conveyed through a weighty, somber timbre, while the light is represented by ethereal, soaring lines. The interplay between these forces underscores the opera’s thematic dichotomy and is executed with impressive clarity and precision.
Curt Appelgren’s portrayal of the bass-baritone role showcases a commanding presence, deftly navigating the character’s emotional complexities. His voice possesses a resonant depth that complements the narrative’s darker themes. Conversely, Helena Juntunen’s soprano shines in her dual role as Marina, effectively capturing the character’s contrasting facets—vulnerability and bravery—through her nuanced vocal delivery. The decision to have Marina’s strength represented through the mezzo-soprano role of Göran Sköld, sung with conviction by Hellekant, amplifies the opera’s exploration of internal conflict. This duality, reminiscent of Tippett’s “A Child of our Time,” is poignantly illustrated in the moment when Sköld confronts the dragon, a climactic juncture that is both musically and dramatically compelling.
The recording quality is exemplary, with BIS’s engineering providing a clear and immersive listening experience. The acoustic of the Turku Concert Hall enhances the performance, allowing the rich textures of the orchestration to resonate beautifully. Each voice is well-balanced within the ensemble, ensuring that both soloists and chorus are given space to shine without losing the overall cohesiveness of the performance. The clarity of the sound allows listeners to appreciate the intricate counterpoint and harmonic interplay that Heiniö weaves throughout the score.
Comparisons with other contemporary operatic works, such as those by Aulis Sallinen, reveal Heiniö’s distinctive voice within the Finnish operatic tradition. While Sallinen often leans towards a more dissonant and complex harmonic language, Heiniö opts for a more melodic and approachable style that does not shy away from emotional directness. “The Knight and the Dragon” stands as a testament to the vitality of Finnish opera today, offering an engaging narrative that resonates on both human and mythic levels.
Heiniö’s “The Knight and the Dragon” is a compelling opera that successfully marries substantial musicality with a poignant narrative. The performance captured in this recording showcases a dedication to the work that is both inspiring and illuminating. This opera not only enriches the Finnish operatic canon but also invites broader audiences to engage with its timeless themes of courage, identity, and the eternal battle against one’s inner dragons. The combination of a vibrant score, committed performances, and high production quality marks this release as a noteworthy entry in the realm of contemporary opera.
