This DVD features the three-act opera Aleksis Kivi (1996) by iconic Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara who also wrote the libretto.

The opera tells the story of Finland’s national author Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872) and draws on many of Kivi’s own poems and texts. Aleksis Kivi wrote the first significant novel in the Finnish language (“Seven Brothers”), but during his short lifetime he suffered from moral and artistic condemnation by literary rivals. He died, insane and impoverished, at age 38.

This Finnish National Opera production, staged by Pekka Milonoff, is conducted by Mikko Franck and features Jorma Hynninen in the lead role. Hynninen, upon whose request the opera was written, already headed the casts at the opera’s world première performance in 1997, as well as for the acclaimed première CD recording in 2002 (released on Ondine).

Cast:
- Jorma Hynninen (Aleksis Kivi)
- Janne Reinikainen (August Ahlqvist)
- Riikka Rantanen (Charlotta)
- Pauliina Linnosaari (Hilda)
- Ville Rusanen (Young Alexis)
- Tobias Zilliacus (J L Runeberg)

Stage Director: Pekka Milonoff
Set Designer: Eeva Ijäs
Costume Designer: Niina Pasanen
Lighting Designer: Juha Westman
Choreographer: Ari Numminen

[90’ • 23’ Extras]
• Subtitles: Finnish / English
• NTSC colour  
• 16:9
• 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround / PCM Stereo
• Region Code 0  
• English Menu