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

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