Description

Richard Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer - Marianne Schech, Sieglinde Wagner, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rudolf Schock, Fritz Wunderlich, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974

8 25 207

Product Details

Label: ETERNA
Genre: Classical, Opera
Conductor: Franz Konwitschny
Orchestra: Staatskapelle Berlin
Chorus: Chor der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin

Overview

Richard Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer is a dramatic opera filled with rich orchestration, powerful vocal performances, and a stirring narrative that explores themes of redemption, love, and fate. Composed in the early stages of Wagner’s career, it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of his operatic style, blending youthful romanticism with a deep exploration of personal and mythological themes. The opera’s central plot revolves around a cursed sea captain, the Dutchman, who is doomed to sail the seas forever unless he finds true love. His redemption lies in the loyalty of Senta, who believes in the legend of the cursed Dutchman and dedicates herself to him, thus fulfilling the myth’s promise of salvation.

This recording, conducted by Franz Konwitschny, captures the grandeur and the raw emotion of the opera. The Staatskapelle Berlin and the Chorus of the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin bring Wagner’s music to life with vivid intensity, complemented by the exemplary performances of the soloists. Marianne Schech’s portrayal of Senta is poignant and sincere, while Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s Dutchman is laden with despair and longing, embodying the opera's tragic elements. The inclusion of various orchestral and choral motifs—particularly the storm scenes and the haunting melody of the Dutchman’s curse—underscores the gripping atmosphere of the piece.

Track Listing (Opera Excerpt)

Side 1:

Mit Gewitter und Sturm aus fernem Meer – Steuermann's song
Die Frist ist um – Dutchman’s monologue
Summ und brumm, du gutes Rädchen – Spinnerinnen’s chorus
Der Fliegende Holländer – Scene with the Dutchman and his curse

Side 2:

Johohoe! – Senta’s ballad
Willst jenes Tags – Erik’s cavatina
Spottchor der Mannschaft des fliegenden Holländers – Chorus of the Dutchman's crew

Key Credits

Conductor: Franz Konwitschny
Chorus: Chor der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin
Orchestra: Staatskapelle Berlin
Staging & Direction: Martin Görgen
Vocals: Marianne Schech, Sieglinde Wagner, Rudolf Schock, Fritz Wunderlich, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau