Fredrik Pacius - Kung Karls jakt - Finale I

Fredrik Pacius Opera: Kung Karls jakt / The Hunt of King Charles, opera in three acts, first performance 24 March 1852, Helsinki, Finland, this is the fourth version of the opera, premiered 14 April 1880. Libretto: Zacharias Topelius Finale I, shooting scene: Kom, låt oss fresta, kulan den bästa King Charles XI of Sweden, speaking role: Johan Fagerudd Hedvig Eleonora, the Queen, his mother: Anna-Lisa Jakobson Krister Horn, the King's guardian: Antti Suhonen Gustaf Gyllenstjerna, the King's confidant: Walton Grönroos Mårten Reutercrantz, stablemaster, the King's confidant: Tom Krause People: The Jubilate Choir Orchestra: Finnish National Opera Orchestra Conductor: Ulf Söderblom Synopsis: Act I: King Charles XI of Sweden is visiting the Åland Islands for a hunt. This no real hunt, however, as the Swedish laws of the time state that only the King may shoot elk. While the hunters sing a drinking son, some courtiers are plotting to usurp the throne. It is the year 1671 and King Charles is only 16 years old. Thus the actual rulers, the King's guardian and his mother, Queen Eleonora, must also be suppleanted. Then the outrage is discovered: someone has shot an elk. This is an unpardonable crime, punishable by death. It is not known yet who the culprit is. The first act ends in a shooting contest, where the young King turns out to be the best shot. Act II: Leonora, the fisherman's daugther, sings about the young King. On a prevous occasion, she saved him from a capsizing boat. Royal stablemaster Reutercrants approaches, jesting with Leonora and feigning friendliness. She discovers that he is carrying a belt belonging to Jonathan, her suitor. "I've found the culprit now", Reutercrantz exclaims and exits. Leonora stays behind, and her anxiety is heightened when Jonathan comes to tell her that he has shot the King's elk, forgetful of the severe penalty. They decide to escape. Jonathan goes to the shore to look for a boat, but is captured by Reutercrantz. A storm is brewing as night falls. Leonora creeps to the ruins of Kastelholm, where she has buried a small inheritance for safe keeping. She accidentally hears the conspirators plotting against the King. This must not happen; and it is now up to Leonora to foil the wicked plot. Act III: Market day presents an excellent opportunity for abducting the King. But as the conspirators put their plan into practice, brave Leonora leads Gyllenstjerna, the leader of the conspiracy, into a trap. Locked into a fisherman's cabin he is now her prisoner. She calls for help to free the abducted King. The market festivities end as everyone wants to find out who the traitor is. The captured Jonathan is also to be seen among the crowd. The King is freed. Leonora is to be rewarded for his release. "A pardon for Jonathan, the finest man in all the Ålands Islands", she beseechs the King. And so it is granted. The elk hunt ends, The traitorous Gyllenstjerna is also pardoned but sent into exile. The good men of Åland who have helped the King are exempted from taxes for 10 years. And the King, now a mature ruler, bids farewell to Finland.