| The Horseman Ratsumies | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Aulis Sallinen | |
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Aulis_Sallinen.jpg) Aulis Sallinen in 2009 | |
| Librettist | Paavo Haavikko |
| Language | Finnish |
| Premiere | 17 June 1975 |
The Horseman (Finnish: Ratsumies, Swedish: Ryttaren) is an opera in three acts by Aulis Sallinen, based on a libretto by Paavo Haavikko. It was premiered by the Savonlinna Opera Festival on 17 June 1975 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Olavinlinna Castle, and is the first of Sallinen's operas, and is replete with heavy symbolism and historical allegories.[1] According to George Loomis, writing in The New York Times, the work "is widely credited for helping to precipitate a wave of Finnish operas".[2]
A critic at the premiere described the work as a "timeless parable of a country and nation ground between, and harried by two mighty neighbours" (Sweden and Russia), depicting "the sufferings of individuals speak for the sufferings of a long downtrodden nation".[1]
Sallinen's music is described as "immediately and excitingly accessible... with powerful dramatic feeling."[1]
The work won the composer's prize of the Nordic Council (Nordic Council Music Prize) in 1978.[3]
- ^ a b c Erkki, Arni. Report from premiere of The Horseman. Opera Festival Issue, 1975, pp. 65–68.
- ^ Loomis, George (12 July 2005). "A grim, uneven tale at Savonlinna festival". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
- ^ Robert Henderson. "Aulis Sallinen: Singing of Man." The Musical Times Vol. 128, No. 1730 (April 1987), pp. 189–191.