Hello, I am from Thailand/France and I have an opportunity to come to Savonlinna today and watch a opera "the last temptation" Viimeiset kiusaukset. Such a sublime and unforgettable experience. I really love your country, calm countryside, respectful people, huge space on the side walk. People are really nice here. Thank you very much for your kindness. I have more question about opera and want to ask if you can explain the metaphor and message of this work? I don't quite catch it all. Best wishes to you. You have a beautiful country.

by pokpokza

2 comments

  1. Olavinlinna and a classic opera is a powerful combination. Some people say it is one of the most impactful experiences you can get in Finland.

    I have been seven times and it never ceases to amaze me, but of course I am from the country.

  2. Welcome! About the background of this opera, could be interesting to know that this was one of the first Finnish operas about “man of the people” characters, in this case the lay preacher Paavo Ruotsalainen, instead of larger than life heroes. And also one of the first operas to be popular with the wider Finnish public. So, elitism and class feature both inside the opera (Paavo’s conflict with more academic ideas and the family’s struggles to make a living) and in the reaction to it (some critics originally derided this opera for being backwards-looking and musically too traditional). Not saying that’s the main theme, just background for the main themes of guilt and forgiveness and that sort of thing, but maybe someone more knowledgeable can tell you more about the metaphors.

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