One of the best known Finnish composers internationally, Aulis Sallinen (b.1935) celebrates his 80th birthday in 2015. As a tribute, Ondine is releasing the 2002 production of his latest opera, King Lear with the same cast that premiered the work at the Finnish National Opera in 2000.

“Sallinen's timing of the action seems to click into a higher gear forom the end of Act 1 Scene 2 where bastard Edmund 'deposes' Edgar from the Gloucester family inheritance. There is some classy singing from Salminen in the title-role...Silvasti's disturbed, neurotic Edmund, Jorma Hynninen's less-is-more Glcouester and Lilli Paasikivi's heart-and-soul Cordelia.” Gramophone