Blenda (opera)

Blenda is a Swedish opera in four acts by Per August Ölander to a libretto by Ernst Wallmark and Ludvig Josephson after the latter's play of the same name.[1]

History

Blenda as a historic character was created in 1691 by mill owner Petter Rudebeck at Huseby mill in Småland in order to preserve the Värendian right of inheritance for women when it was threatened by the state tax commission. According to the Blendasägnen, she gathered an army of women who defeated the Danes while their men were at war in Norway. The librettists Josephson and Wallmark were aware and approved of the relationship with the Virgin of Orleans.

As the story goes, Blenda sacrifices herself after throwing herself between the Danish army leader Nils Dotta and her husband Harald in a battle that concerned both her favor and the honor of the lands.[2]

People
Role Voice Premiere cast
Dazzle Soprano Louise Pyk
Harald, her betrothed Tenor Oscar Arnoldson
Johan, son of King Sverker Tenor Harald Torslow
Cardinal Nicolaus Albanensis Base Helmer Stromberg
King Sverker of Sweden Baritone Sven Lars Wilhelm Lundvik
Nils Dotta, Danish chieftain Baritone Robert Ohlsson
King Sven Grate of Denmark Baritone Per Janzon
Knight Karl, Danish chieftain Tenor Johan Malmsjö
The bishop Bass

See also
  • Blenda, heroine of a Swedish legend

References
  1. Opera Premieres: An Index of Casts 1992, p. 905, Olander, Per August: "Blenda Stockholm : Operahuset / 26-4-1876 Konung Sverker Wilhelm Lundvik Johan Harald Torsslow Kardinalen Helmer Strömberg Konung Sven Grate : Per Janzon Riddar Carl Johan Fredrik Malmsjö Nils ..."
  2. Carl-Gunnar Åhlén (February 15, 2002). "The opera Blenda gets new life."The Swedish Daily. Read October 3, 2020 .
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