I had forgotten how incendiary this performance is, not having heard it in decades. Wieland Wagner's famous production caught everyone at the height of their powers. It is not an exaggeration to say that Rysanek was incandescent as Senta, setting the stage ablaze with her presence and fiery top notes. She and London always worked well together. London captures the Dutchman's loneliness and despair with wrenching detail. Greindl is almost frightening in his venality, adding a creepy chuckle to his characterization. Uhl depicts an Erik who is desperate in his own loneliness, needing Senta, but hating himself for it. Paskuda's very distinctive voice is a great match for the Steersman and Fischer makes one wish Mary's part were longer. Supporting all this is the dynamic leadership of the young Sawallisch, aided by a terrific chorus and orchestra. I love the cheers and claps from the ensemble in the crowd scenes; one gets some impression of what it must've been like to see this production in the theater. The sound is excellent: warm, clear, detailed.This is one of the definitive recordings of this opera.