Der fliegende Holländer
Decca, 2025
9/10
Listen to Der fliegende Holländer
Lise Davidsen brings her incredible soprano to the works of Wagner, which was recorded live across two nights at the opera house in Oslo during the summer of 2024.
Disc 1 leads with “The Dutchman”, which incorporates Gerald Finley’s expressive and powerful bass baritone alongside the contrast of gentle versus tense strings that unfold with precision and emotion, and “Senta” continues the meticulous climate with Davidsen’s animated pipes which suit the often lovely string interaction.
Further into the story, Brindley Sherratt’s distinct bass guides the vivid landscape of “Daland”, while Stanislas de Barbeyrac contributes intimate tenor for the gripping “Erik”.
Residing close to the end, Eirik Grøtvedt’s glorious tenor soundtracks the lush and sophisticated “The Steersman”, and “Mary” exits with Anna Kissjudit’s mezzo soprano steering the melodic gestures with much warmth.
This is the first full-length opera recording on the Decca label, and it unfolds across 2 discs that preserves Wagnerian history with unparalleled attention to detail, where the orchestra and chorus of Norwegian National Opera only enhance the listening experience.
Travels well with: María Dueñas- Paganini 24: Caprices; Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes