Excellent performance. Though Anton Guadagno was not a Wagner specialist, he was a good and experienced conductor who knows how to to manage an opera. The orchestra and especially the choir are not Bayreuth level but they made an acceptable job. William Wildermann is a good but not very good Daland and the two tenors are also fine. Fortunately there are two real stars who make this performance really extraordinary. Carol Neblett and Norman Bailey belong to the best Sentas and Dutchmen I have ever heard. Bailey’s voice is perfect for the Dutchman and he is able to express all the nuances of this role. But the true hero of this performace is Carol Neblett a few years before her MET debut in the same role. She is simple shining. A wonder. Listening her singing and acting I don’t understand why she didn’t become a superstar. Due to her production this performance is really a treasure. Highly recommended.

I was expecting a rough-and-ready in-house recording, but this was taken from a broadcast. Not only are the voices very clear and focused, but at the end of the overture a pair of dueling announcers tell us about the performance and what to expect from the production. One even talks over the first few moments of the first act! They are not heard from again, but it's rather endearing.Bailey and Neblett are marvelous, both individually and together. Her high Bs are so secure Guadagno doesn't take the usual cut at the end of the second act (the three act edition is employed here). Bailey's diction and gruff, characterful voice are perfect for the Dutchman. Wildermann, as always, is a fine Daland with his distinctive voice and it's a pleasure to hear a young Grayson Hirst as the Steersman. Richard Kness is a vivid Erik and Carole Walters makes a strong impression as Mary. The chorus is very enthusiastic (one tenor accidentally gives us an extra "Hoyoho!" in the opening music!).All Dutchman fans and fans of the singers should hear this!

This is a very good performances from the Hatford Opera company. I was happy to hear Neblett in the Senta role. Scott Jackson