This is Wagner's first "mature"
opera, but already it bears the hallmarks of his later works:
a story based on legend, with music so richly orchestrated, powerful,
and laden with evocative leitmotifs.
And this is the opera that introduces the recurring theme of his
monumental works: woman of unconditional love as redeemer
The many passages of stirring romantic melodies make this the
most accessible of Wagner's works.
Click PLAY button to hear
the music clip again. BUY
THE CDBUY
THE DVD
SENTA ...
...a woman obsessed with a
portrait of a man she has never met;
...she meets him, the Flying Dutchman, a man condemned to roam the
rough seas;
...and she loves him to death,
...and in so doing cleanses him of his curse and brings him
salvation.
It became a signature role early in Hildegard Behrens' career, and
one she continues to sing with utmost convincingness.
Her Senta can be heard in a recording
with Christoph Dohnanyi(conductor)
and seen on the video recording of the memorable Savonlinna
Festival production.