I love opera and always love. Der Fliegende Hollander(The Flying Dutchman) is a fine opera, not my favourite of Wagner's operas but I love it for the characters(Dutchman especially) and the Overture is one of Wagner's best ones.
This production is very good. My favourite production is the 1989 one, and although it is controversial and I understand why some don't like it finding it is not always true to the music and libretto I also preferred the 1986 production to this.
When it comes to the lip-synching, it is rather wayward and sloppy at times. Also, the performance of Erik, the character itself is admittedly two-dimensional. While the singing is beautiful, the acting is rather too stolid for the character to be anything more than that.
However, the picture quality, sound and camera work are good, and the sets, lighting and costumes are wonderfully atmospheric(loved the storm effects). When it comes to the music, it is magnificent and it conducted and performed by the orchestra to perfection.
Bengt Rundgren has a rich voice and Daland as he should be is very ambivalent here which Rundgren conveys very well. Catarina Ligendza I agree comes across as a more lyric soprano, but she does nonetheless meet the demands of the role of Senta and acts compellingly. Faring best of all is Donald McIntyre, who brings pity, menace and tragedy to the intriguing character of the Dutchman and vocally he is very authoritative.
Overall, a very good production of an interesting opera. 8/10 Bethany Cox
