All Norwegian opera success: Hamsun/ Kvandal

Johan Kvandal and Knut Hamsun. Drawing by Ulf Aas.
Johan Kvandal and Knut Hamsun. Drawing by Ulf Aas.

Mysteries op. 75 by Johan Kvandal is an opera in three acts, based on the famous modernist novel with the same name by Knut Hamsun. In many ways, it is the life story of the dreamer, philosopher, vagabond and violinist Johan Nilsen Nagel – “a stranger, a foreigner of existence, God’s fixed idea”. The opera  was commissioned by The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and world premiered on 15th January 1994. The music received excellent reviews.

Cover art by production designer Hans Petter Harboe.

Main newspaper headlines such as “Hamsun would have been proud” and “Opera success for Mysteries” reflect the work´s position as one of relatively few Norwegian operatic successes of all time. Go to Opera: Reviews to read more.

The main character, Nagel, tormented by visions.

International caliber
In 1996 the opera was selected by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to be broadcast to all European countries. Mysteries was chosen ahead of 94 other new, international operas, which is a tremendous recognition of the opera music’s international caliber.

Violin virtuoso and vagabond, Nagel causes unease.

Media clips
“Johan Kvandal’s genial music makes the scenic almost superfluous and Nagel’s spiritual experiences are given a musical expression that measures up to Hamsun” (Klassekampen)”

“Opera success for Mysteries” (Aftenposten)

“Johan Kvandal has enriched Norwegian opera literature with an important work” (VG)

“Kvandal greeted with ovations on the world premiere of his first opera!” (Drammens Tidende)

“Mysteries” is also a love story. Nagel with Dagny.

The mysteries in Mysteries
The opera Mysteries is based on the intense novel written by Norwegian author Knut Hamsun in 1892, and is often referred to as the first Modernist novel in world literature.

The eccentric stranger Johan Nilsen Nagel arrives in a small Norwegian coastal town. Dressed in a stinging yellow suit, he sets out to stir up the local bourgeoisie with his bewildering behavior, disturbing disclosures and feverish visions. It is revealed that Nagel used to live like a vagabond around the world, yet he surprisingly turns out to be a violin virtuoso.

Mysteries is in many ways the life story of the dreamer and philosopher Johan Nilsen Nagel – “a stranger, a foreigner of existence, God’s fixed idea”. Mysteries also surround the other main characters.

The curious inhabitants and colourful figures in the small town all have something to hide: The young beauty Dagny, the anxious and warmhearted Martha and the sly, secretive Minutten. Do they carry something with them that has happened before the story starts? The mysteries in Mysteries are interpreted musically and provide an intriguing gateway to one the most fascinating dramas in modern literature.

Facts on the 1994 production
■ Conductor: Kjell Ingebretsen
■ Libretto: Barhold Halle (German translation available)
■ Director: Barthold Halle
■ Production designer: Hans Petter Harboe
■ Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
■ Publisher: Johan Kvandal

Soloists:

Johan Nielsen Nagel:
Trond Halstein Moe – Baryton

Dagny Kielland:
Ragnhild Heiland Sørensen – Soprano

Johannes Grøgaard (Minutten):
Arild Helleland – Tenor

Marta Gude:
Frøydis Klausberger – Mezzo soprano

The hotel host:
Stein -Arild Thorsen – Bass

The chief constable:
Terje Stensvold – Baryton