Composer

:

Tauno Pylkkänen

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1942 - 1943

Average_duration

:

137:57

"Mare ja hänen poikansa" is an opera composed by Tauno Pylkkänen, a Finnish composer, in 1955. The opera is based on a play by the same name written by Hella Wuolijoki. The plot revolves around Mare, a strong-willed and independent woman, and her son, who is torn between his loyalty to his mother and his love for a woman from a wealthy family. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct movement. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the conflict that will drive the plot. Mare is a widow who has raised her son alone and has worked hard to provide for him. She is fiercely protective of her son and is suspicious of anyone who tries to come between them. Her son, on the other hand, is torn between his loyalty to his mother and his love for a woman from a wealthy family. The second act is the climax of the opera, where the conflict between Mare and her son comes to a head. Mare is determined to keep her son away from the woman he loves, believing that she is only interested in his money. Her son, however, is determined to marry the woman and start a new life with her. The tension between the two reaches a boiling point, and the act ends with Mare disowning her son. The third act is the resolution of the opera, where Mare comes to terms with her son's decision and learns to let go. She realizes that her son is no longer a child and that he must make his own decisions. The act ends with Mare reconciling with her son and accepting his new wife into the family. The premiere of "Mare ja hänen poikansa" took place on November 25, 1955, at the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has since become one of Pylkkänen's most popular works. One of the characteristics of "Mare ja hänen poikansa" is its use of Finnish folk music. Pylkkänen incorporates traditional Finnish melodies and rhythms into the score, giving the opera a distinctly Finnish flavor. Another characteristic is the strong female lead in Mare, who defies traditional gender roles and stands up for herself and her son. Overall, "Mare ja hänen poikansa" is a powerful opera that explores themes of love, loyalty, and independence. Its memorable characters and beautiful music have made it a beloved part of the Finnish opera repertoire.

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