After experimenting with demonic forces, a mysterious Dutchman is cursed to roam the seas until he finds true love. Wagner’s gripping opera explores the Dutchman’s final chance to find true love or be set free. But does he find true freedom in the end? Join Tanisha as she explores the intertwining relationship between Wagner’s music and the plot.

Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), WWV 63, is a German-language opera, with libretto and music by Richard Wagner. The central theme is redemption through love. Wagner conducted the premiere at the Königliches Hoftheater Dresden in 1843.

   Wagner claimed in his 1870 autobiography Mein Leben that he had been inspired to write the opera following a stormy sea crossing he made from Riga to London in July and August 1839. In his 1843 Autobiographic Sketch, Wagner acknowledged he had taken the story from Heinrich Heine's retelling of the legend in his 1833 satirical novel The Memoirs of Mister von Schnabelewopski (Aus den Memoiren des Herrn von Schnabelewopski). READ MORE IN WIKIPEDIA

SETTING

As Sophia from the Golden Girls says “Picture it” Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman) is set off the coast of Norway in the 18^th or 19^th century.

ACT 1: A stormy sea near Sandwike in southern Norway

ACT 2: Daland’s house

ACT 3: The coast Sandwike in southern Norway 

LEGENDARY CAST- WHO YOU WILL HEAR

Due to time constraint, this opera talk features a partial cast. If you loved the program, purchase from our affiliates or borrow the above DVD’s from your local library to see the full cast.

TANISHA’S PICK

 This opera talk features Tanisha’s favorite casts from these recordings. Click the link to purchase them for your own collection.

OPERA-ALIKES

If you liked the Flying Dutchman, you can view these other opera talks featuring this opera.