Richard Wagner - Der fliegende Holländer - Sotin, Studer, Domingo, Seiffert, Weikl - Sinopoli, 1991

Bernd Weikl (Baritone - Dutchman)
Cheryl Studer (Mezzo Soprano - Senta)
Placido Domingo (Tenor - Erik)
Hans Sotin (Bass - Daland)
Peter Seiffert (Tenor - Helmsman)
Ute Priew (Mezzo Soprano - Mary)

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, Amazon

Studer sails the voice-wrecking role of Senta, Domingo is his vocally resplendent self and Weikl is thoroughly knowing in the title role.... , USA Today

Track Listing
Disc 1
01. Vorspiel
02. Hojohe! Hallojo!...
03. Mit Gewitter und Sturm aus fernem Meer
04. Die Frist ist um, ...
05. He! Holla! Steuermann!
06. Weit komm ich her
07. Halloho! Hohohe!
08. Interlude
09. Verloren! Ach verloren! Ewig verlor'nes Heil.
10. Ja ho hoe! Traft ihr das Schiff in Meere an, ...

Disc 2
01. Vor Anker alle sieben Jahr ein weib zu frei'n, ...
02. Bleib', Senta! Bleib' nur einen Augenblick!
03. Mein Kind, du siehst mich auf der Schwelle
04. Mögst du, mein Kind, den fremden Mann willkommen heißen!
05. Wie aus der Ferne längst vergang' ner Zeiten
06. Verzeiht! Mein Volk hält draußen sich nciht mehr; ...
07. Interlude
08. Steuermann, lass' die Wacht!
09. Was mußt'ich hören!
10. Willst jenes Tags du nicht dich mehr entsinnen
11. Verloren! Ach verloren! Ewig verlor'nes Heil.

No cover. I have no idea about the ripping-application. Found it years ago somewhere at the web, torrent or emule.


Listen to the tracks at Amazon

This opera at Wikipedia

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