DVD 10963 DER FLIEGENDE HOLLANDER (Wagner)

An unusual but compelling production - far superior to the current Bayreuth one and in Bryn Terfel an outstandingly sung and acted Dutchman. The rest of the cast are good, though not outstanding, but all positively contribute to a gripping experience. The picture is superb, the sound is good but needs to be played at a high volume setting.

I thought the staging was very unusual. It was set in the offices of the Zealand's shipping company. Instead of sailors we had clerks instead of spinning women we had clerks. And they were dressed in 1880s to 1920s office fashions. All rather strange. However, the performances were excellent. Bryan Terfel was compelling as the Dutchman, and Marius Jentzsch was just fine as Erik. But the revelation for me was Anjou aka mope as Senta. Her tone was perfect and she never strained to reach the notes, a common problem with Wagner Sopranos. The video and audio were excellent. Apart from the unusual set and costumes, as I said, setting it in an office, rather then on the ships, this was an enjoyable performance.