Wagner in Salzburg: The Flying Dutchman inspires and disappoints!

Wagner in Salzburg: The Flying Dutchman inspires and disappoints!

With great anticipation, Richard Wagner's “The Flying Dutchman” premiered at the Salzburg State Theater in the Felsenreitschule. Directed by Carl Philip von Maldeghem and with art by Stefanie Seitz, the production offers a fresh take on the classic story of the cursed captain who comes ashore every seven years to find redemption through pure love. [Merkur] reports that the cast boasts Promethean talent: Derek Welton plays the Dutch captain, while Magdalena Hinterdobler as Senta, Martin Summer as Daland and Sung Min Song as Erik take the stage.

The production starts with a bold concept that presents the Dutchman not as a demon, but as a human hero. The scenic arrangement is particularly impressive, including a staggered ship deck and impressive video projections. In combination with ropes, which are used for effective storm scenes, the audience is offered maritime realism. What a visual journey! [BR-Klassik] emphasizes that the actors skillfully balance themselves on ropes and climb along a suggested ship's hull railing.

Musical impressions and challenges

The musical performance, conducted by Leslie Suganandarajah, has received mixed reviews. While the Mozarteum Orchestra played with attention to detail, the implementation was perceived as under-paced, which is particularly noticeable in the overture and in the use of a wind machine. [Salzburger Landestheater] emphasizes that the production features an intermission after the second act, which is unusual in most performances of “Holländer” and is considered implausible.

The audience experienced some positive surprises during the performance: Sung Min Song stood in for Erik at short notice and shone with an energetic tenor. Hinterdobler also impressed with stable drama in the role of Senta, who is torn between her attraction to the Dutchman and her duty to Erik. [BR-Klassik] also compares the production with other projects that Maldeghem has already implemented at the Felsenreitschule and finds inspiration in the adventurous spirit of today's sailors.

A new light on a classic

The stage design, reminiscent of the back of a submarine, creates a sterile but haunting atmosphere, which is complemented by two large sails - one white and one red. These symbolize the contrast between the Norwegian sailors and the cursed Dutchman. The pin-up calendar depicting the Dutchman brings a modern touch to the production, while Senta and her colleagues work in the mail order business. [Salzburger Landestheater] highlights how these details contribute to the modern interpretation of the classic story.

Overall, the performance of Wagner's “The Flying Dutchman” in Salzburg shows how impressive and at the same time challenging the interaction of music and production can be. Viewers and critics agree that the production offers a lot of material for discussion and lets the classic shine in a new light. With a running time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, this evening is certainly one of the unforgettable experiences at the Felsenreitschule. The Flying Dutchman will be remembered – both through the music and through the stage production, which is well worth seeing.