"Wrong language" Wagner is a lot of fun. Italian suits many of the Master's operas; there is a strong Italianate influence in all of Wagner's works, but especially the earlier ones. The translation used here doesn't always scan perfectly, but it suits the characters, even if the vocal line has to occasionally be reworked. Taddei is a marvelous Dutchman. He manages the low notes better than many baritones and rages and pleads very eloquently. It's easy to hear why Senta is obsessed with him. Gulin had a huge voice that she manages to keep under control. Her facility in coloratura means Senta's many turns are easily negotiated. She also knocks out some terrific high Bs, bringing the opera to an exciting conclusion. Pagliuca is a sturdy Daland, if not as characterful as some. It's a relief to hear a Daland without a wobble. Miranda Ferraro gives us a strong, neurotic Erik. His voice sometimes sounds a little harsh, but that works in this context. Herbert Albert leads a very dramatic performance, one that is a little slow at times, but keeps the momentum going forward. The chorus sings very enthusiastically if without the polish of some German choruses. The orchestra is more rough and ready; they probably didn't play Wagner's operas often.Sound is from a good broadcast source, pitched correctly. It is also a little rough around the edges at times, but never fails to give us a clear aural picture.

Taddei’s dark baritone casts an ideal sense of mystery over every phrase, colored variously with yearning, hope or despair. Gulin’s soprano is supple and carries easily to a gleaming top. Pagliuca is excellent, a real “babbino” Daland. Ferraro is an amazing “italo-helden” Erik. The orchestra may not be the last word in rhythmic acuity, but Albert's conducting provides long romantic lines.Link provided for German/Italian score (interesting to note director’s staging pages included):http://imslp.org/wiki/Der_fliegende_Holl%C3%A4nder,_WWV_63_(Wagner,_Richard)

Teatro Massimo Bellini Catania, 3 April 1970Herbert Albert (conductor)Coro e Orchestra del Teatro Massimo Bellini di CataniaSilvano Pagliuca (Daland), Ángeles Gulín (Senta), Piermiranda Ferraro (Erik), Anita Caminada (Mary), Franco Ricciardi (Steuermann), Giuseppe Taddei (Holländer)

This is a great performance by the singers. You can appreciate the beautiful singing of all the main characters (especially Gulin as Senta). Taddei is an expressive Hollander but the voice is sometimes to light for the role. Very good Ferraro, better than some German colleagues in Erik's part, and a musical Daland the bass Pagliuca. Unfortunately the orchestra appears in difficulties in various moments as the chorus, very imprecise. The conductor Herbert Albert has enough problems to control orchestra and chorus for attempting an interpretation. Anyway he gives theatrical propulsion to the music.

It is nice to have Hollaender in Italian, also. With Italian orchestra and so on. It is like Wagner's brief encounter with Verdi, before taking a different road, he, he. Taddei is excellent Hollaender with very simpatetic, smooth singing, without any strain and without "barking". Gulin's Senta is very nicely done. The very stentorian and dramatic Erik of Pier Miranda Ferraro is amazing, he gives a totally new view to Erik. Unknown Daland and conductor are both very good.

according to a brief review in the British magazine OPERA (1970 page 670/1) Silvio Pagliuca sang Daland and Herbert Albert conducted the HOLLANDER performance in Catania april 1970