This video features the three-act opera Aleksis Kivi (1996) by iconic Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara who also wrote the libretto.

The opera tells the story of Finland's national author Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872) and draws on many of Kivi's own poems and texts. Aleksis Kivi wrote the first significant novel in the Finnish language (Seven Brothers), but during his short lifetime he suffered from moral and artistic condemnation by literary rivals. He died, insane and impoverished, at age 38.

This Finnish National Opera production is conducted by Mikko Franck and staged by Pekka Milonoff and features Jorma Hynninen in the lead role. Hynninen, upon whose request the opera was written, already headed the casts at the opera's world premiere performance in 1997, as well as for the acclaimed premiere CD recording in 2002.

Luther is a two-act opera by Finnish composer and conductor Kari Tikka who also wrote the libretto in collaboration with Jussi Tapola. It tells the life story of the German theologian and church reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546).

This live recording was made in May 2003 at the Temppeliaukion Kirkko ("Rock Church") in Helsinki, where the work had its world première in December 2000. The Finnish National Opera production is staged by Jussi Tapola, with conductor Kari Tikka leading a cast of soloists from the Opera.

Bonus features:

- An introduction to Luther
- A visit to the Temppeliaukio Church