The Flying Dutchman

Washington National Opera

October 29, 2011, 1:00 pm

Composer: Richard Wagner
Conductor: Heinz Fricke

Cast:

Jennifer Wilson (Senta), Alan Held (The Dutchman), Ian Storey (Erik), Gidon Saks (Daland), Andreas Conrad (Steersman), Heinz Fricke (conductor), Stephen Lawless (Director)

Like the classical Greek drama that he so admired, Wagner used myth and legend to illuminate eternal truths about human behaviour—and, in Wagner’s case, behaviour that is largely autobiographical. Like the seas on which he is tossed, the Dutchman veers from self-loathing (caused initially by his oath and the terrible consequences that this has for the women who have tried over the centuries to redeem him) to a desperate desire to find safe haven amongst the humanity he so clearly despises.

Additional information

Act I
Blown off course by a raging storm, a sea captain, Daland, has sought shelter in a bay off the
coast of Norway (“Mit Gewitter und Sturm aus fernem Meer”). As his crew waits for the
storm to blow over, another ship drifts in and drops anchor. It is the vessel of the Flying
Dutchman. According to legend, the Dutchman, caught in a furious storm, foolishly swore that
he would sail around the Cape of Good Hope even if it meant sailing forever. Hearing his oath,
the devil condemned the Dutchman to sail the seas until Judgment Day. Every seven years,
however, the Dutchman is given a chance to go ashore to find a woman, faithful until death,
to redeem him and release him from the curse (“Die Frist ist um”).
The Dutchman, weary of his fate, is greeted on shore by Daland. The Dutchman offers him
treasure in exchange for room and board for the evening, adding that he is looking for a wife
and will pay handsomely for one. Eager for the Dutchman’s wealth, Daland offers his daughter
Senta (“Wie? Hört’ ich recht?”). Inviting the Dutchman to follow, Daland and his crew
depart for home port.

Act II
At Daland’s house, the women of the village are gathered, working and singing (“Summ und
brumm”). Senta is captivated by the legend of the Flying Dutchman, and observes the activity
in a dreamlike state. Her friends notice her preoccupation and ask her to sing “the ballad of the
Flying Dutchman” (“Johohoe! Traft ihr das Schiff”). Senta has convinced herself that she is
the woman to save him.
Erik appears with the news that Daland’s ship has returned. Knowing that Daland is seeking a husband
for her, the lovestruck Erik pleads with Senta to marry him (“Mein Herz voll Treue bis zum
Sterben”). Erik notes Senta’s fascination with the Dutchman, and he relates a dream he had in
which he saw Senta in a passionate embrace with the Dutchman, who then carried her off to sea
(“Auf hohem Felsen”). Senta confesses that his dream is also her own and Erik flees in disbelief.
Daland arrives home with his guest, and Senta is spellbound by the stranger’s resemblance to the
legendary Dutchman. Senta and the stranger are totally transfixed with one another, and Daland,
pleased with the prospect of such a rich son-in-law, leaves the pair alone. Hearing of his plight and
desperation, Senta vows to be faithful until death. Daland returns to hear the news of their betrothal.

Act III
At the harbor, a celebration is under way. There is much revelry as the crew and village women
sing and dance (“Steuermann! Lass die Wacht!”). Despite invitations from Daland’s crew to
join them in the merriment, the Dutchman’s ship is quiet. The sailors call again, and the spectral
crew answers, lamenting their voyage of eternal damnation. Frightened by the strange
chant, the Norwegians leave.
Senta enters in preparation for her wedding, followed by her persistent suitor. Erik insists that
Senta has pledged her love to him, reminding her of their courtship (“Willst jenes Tags du
nicht dich mehr entsinnen”). When the Dutchman overhears Erik remind Senta of the
encouragement she once gave him, he believes that he has been betrayed and summons his crew
to prepare to leave. When Senta sees the Dutchman preparing, she protests her innocence, vowing
to prove herself faithful. He replies that he alone must bear the curse and that he is only
attempting to spare her from it. After revealing his identity to the horrified villagers, the
Dutchman prepares to set sail. Fulfilling her destiny, Senta proves herself faithful until death.
The spectral ship vanishes, and the spirits of Senta and the Dutchman are enjoined.

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