description Der fliegende Holländer Overview
Richard Wagner’s *Der fliegende Holländer* (The Flying Dutchman) is a German opera first performed in 1843. The work explores themes of redemption and damnation through the legend of a cursed sailor doomed to sail eternally for a single female passenger. Its innovative, continuous musical form set a new standard for Romantic opera. It’s primarily intended for audiences interested in Wagner's mature style, operatic drama, or maritime folklore.
help Der fliegende Holländer FAQ
What is the legend behind Der fliegende Holländer?
The opera is based on the legend of a ghostly captain who is cursed to sail the oceans forever unless he finds a wife completely devoted to him. Wagner wrote the libretto himself, inspired by his own rough sea voyage and a book by Heinrich Heine.
When was Der fliegende Holländer first performed?
The romantic opera by Richard Wagner premiered in Dresden in 1843. It was a significant milestone for the composer, marking his transition toward the grand, continuous musical structures he would later be famous for.
How long does a performance of Der fliegende Holländer last?
The opera is one of Wagner's shorter works, typically lasting about two hours and 20 minutes. Unlike his later operas, it is traditionally performed with a single intermission between the second and third acts.
What is the most famous musical piece from Der fliegende Holländer?
The Overture is heavily celebrated and is frequently performed as a standalone piece in orchestral concerts. It brilliantly features the haunting "Sailor's Chorus" melodies and the ominous brass theme representing the cursed Dutchman.
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