Sibelius's only opera. Generally considered to be a failed attempt. I must agree.

I've only heard one recording of it, and that's the one on BIS with Neeme Jarvi.

Nothing in it is exceedingly memorable to me. Granted, the libretto is rather simplistic and silly...Sibelius must of thought this as well.

Has anyone else heard this opera? Your thoughts?

P.S. I really wish he would have finished Veneen Luominen...one can only wonder what it could have turned into...

It's hard to disagree with your assessment. Mind you, on the whole it's not unpleasant to listen to, and there are some felicitous details. It's a measure of the weakness of the libretto that Sib didn't make any attempt to exploit its potential allegorical meaning (cf. the unmistakably patriotic later cantata Vapautettu kuningatar, the text of which tells a very similar story).

Interesting point, Andrew, about the political subtext of the subject matter.

I like Vapautettu Kuningatar quite a bit, really. It has some great, understated melodies in it.