Aniara (opera)

Aniara is an opera by Karl-Birger Blomdahl that premiered in 1959 with a libretto by Erik Lindegren based on the poem "Aniara" by Harry Martinson.

Controlled by the computer Mima, the space ship "Aniara" leaves the poisoned Earth, heading for Mars. The vessel is thrown off course, forcing a journey to the constellation Lyra which will last for the rest of the lives of crew and passengers. When the Earth is destroyed, Mima cannot continue, and the commander deals as best he can with the increased and moral deterioration of those aboard. The 20th anniversary of the voyage is celebrated and death is near, as the journey comes to its end.

The score is varied and makes full use of a range of musical idioms, including jazz, serial writing and an electronic tape. The narrative is sung primarily by Mimaroben, a bass-baritone, who operates the electronic tape, Mima, the computer, and by the chorus. In essence the opera (and poem) deal with the relationship between the individual and the group through time.