"The Abduction of the Sampo" Opera Music - Einojuhani Rautvavaara

The Helsinki University Chorus conducted by Matti Hyökki.

I - Act One: 0:00

Rautavaara's "The Abduction of the Sampo" was composed between in 1974-82, being apparently premiered on April 8 of 1983. The work is scored for a quite unique ensemble of male choir, male vocal soloists and magnetic tape. It is based on Runos 42-3 of the Kalevala, with a libretto written by the own composer.

The story (more or less) goes as follows: Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen and Lemminkäinen sail to Pohjola to recover the Sampo. While on their journey they kill a monstrous pike and from its jaw bone the first kantele is made, with which Väinämöinen sings so beautifully even deities gather to listen. The heroes arrive in Pohjola and demand a share of the Sampo's wealth or they will take the whole Sampo by force. Louhi musters her army however Väinämöinen lulls everyone in Pohjola to sleep with his music. The Sampo is taken from its vault of stone and the heroes set out for home. Louhi conjures a great army, turns herself into a massive eagle and fights for the Sampo. In the battle the Sampo is lost to the sea and destroyed.

[Unfortunately, I had no more info to add due to the recording booklet being innacesible.]

Picture: "The Forging of the Sampo" (1910-1) by the Finnish artist Joseph Alanen.

Unfortunately, the score is not available.

Видео "The Abduction of the Sampo" Opera Music - Einojuhani Rautvavaara канала Sergio Cánovas