Gisle Kverndokk (1967-)
Den fjerde nattevakt (The Fourth Watch of the Night)
Finnish première
An opera in three acts.
Libretto by Ivar Tindberg after JOhan Falkberget´s novel Den fjerde nattevakt (1923).
First performed in Oslo, Opera House in Youngstorget, 5 November 2005.
Conductor: Rolf Gupta
Stage director: Ivar Tindberg
Stage and costume designer: Tine Schwab
Production: Den Norske Opera & Ballett
“Sigismund and Gunhild ... Sigismund and Gunhild” is the cry of the populace between the slag heaps in the old mining town of Røros. The married priest Sigismund and the young woman Gunhild see each other across prejudices, obligations and norms. Can the strength of love overcome society’s ethical rules? Can some people stand the inner conflict that comes from this dilemma? The story is based on Johan Falkberget’s most enthralling novel. Gisle Kverndokk the composer and Ivar Tindberg the librettist let the conflict play out in a tight and dramatically tense composition. This highly-acclaimed production had its world premiere in the old building of The Norwegian Opera at Youngstorget in 2005.