Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer

Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer

For some bizarre reason only failing marketing execs know, this fascinating reading of Dutchman has been sitting, unreleased, in DG's vaults since 1991. The performance is, to be sure, unorthodox: Even if one argues, correctly, that this is Wagner's most Italianate opera (and that he was writing treatises in defense of Bellini at the time), the sheer "Italian-ness" of Sinopoli's reading is certain to amaze. The long melodies are emphasized, legato is ever-present (Senta's opening humming actually sounds like Bellini), rubato is thick, and even the singers' diction seems to be (purposefully) soft. Bernd Weikl, with a voice ideally about only 2/3 the weight really needed for the role, sings a highly nuanced, interesting Dutchman, and Cheryl Studer's Senta, while lacking the insane intensity Rysanek brought to the role, is weirdly, wonderfully interior and sings up a storm. Placido Domingo is cookie-cutter ardent, singing with bright tone and little thought. Hans Sotin's Daland is dullish; Peter Seiffert's Steersman is distinguished. Highest marks go to Sinopoli, though: Tempi are quick and tension is high, but there's never a feeling of being rushed, and dynamic markings are scrupulously observed. The chorus is super, as is the orchestra. Bellini's music, Wagner wrote, had "real passion." You'll find it here. --Robert Levine
Country USA
Manufacturer Deutsche Grammophon
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 028943777827
Model 1990408
ReleaseDate 1998-08-11
UnitCount 2
Format Box set
UPCs 028943777827
EANs 0028943777827

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Deutsche Grammophon
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	028943777827
Model	1990408
ReleaseDate	1998-08-11
UnitCount	2
Format	Box set
UPCs	028943777827
EANs	0028943777827

Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer

You might also like...