Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer - Crass, Silja, Greindl, Uhl, Fischer, Paskuda; Sawallisch. Bayreuth, 1960

$8.95

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Hearing Anja Silja's performance of Senta in this recording you would have no idea that she was just 20 years old. She sings with an assuredness well beyond her years, both technically and interpretively. Her soft singing is nothing short of exquisite and she makes a lot of the dramatic moments. It boggles the mind that despite the risks she took early on in her career she was singing up until just a few years ago.
Franz Crass's soft-toned Dutchman is an excellent pairing with Silja. Had they cast a gruffer voice, like Hans Hotter, in the title role it would have been too stark of a contrast to Silja's angelic Senta.
Josef Greindl brings a warmth of spirit to the role of Daland.