The Flying Dutchman

It is an ancient legend: The Flying Dutchman is doomed to sail the seas forever. Every seven years he is cast upon the shore, and only true love could save him. When Captain Daland suddenly discovers the Flying Dutchman’s ship next to his own and invites the stranger into his house, a fateful encounter with Daland’s sensitive daughter Senta ensues. She feels oddly attracted to the unexpected guest. While Senta loses herself in her vision of the Dutchman, a dramatic conflict unfolds, as Senta feels torn between her love for the cursed captain and her duty towards her fiancé Erik.

Richard Wagner’s score is considered a prime example of stirringly romantic orchestra sound, masterfully illustrating both the fateful power of the ocean and the inner conflicts of the characters. “The Flying Dutchman” marked a turning point in Wagner’s career: With its leitmotifs, its continuously flowing melodies and the deeply emotional relations between its characters, this opera is an example of his later style, which combined music, drama and philosophy.

Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was not only a composer, conductor and writer but also one of the most controversial characters in music history. Both during his lifetime and beyond, his works have sparked much discussion. Infused with mythological and philosophical topics, his operas (or “universal works of art”) are famous for their complex harmonies and their profound emotionality. The Felsenreitschule is a true place of yearning for theatre artists: The directorial team have had much experience with this special venue, which offers such magnificent freedom to express their artistic fantasies. Musical director Leslie Suganandarajah has for instance conducted “Lohengrin” and “Der Rosenkavalier” here, while Carl Philip von Maldeghem and Stefanie Seitz together have realised major projects such as “Dionysia” and “The Creation of Light” at the Felsenreitschule.

Duration: 2h 45min

We offer an introductory talk 30 minutes ahead of each in the foyer (4th floor) of the Felsenreitschule. It can be reached by elevator. Please note that, for fire safety reasons, seating is not available.

Content Notes