OPERA NEWS
March 28, 1992

by Diana Sinclair

An almost ideal cast was assembled for the revival of Der Fliegende Holländer in Avignon (Jan. 19). Helge Thoma's staging, with the vessel set amid ropes and sails, allowed the plot to unfold without obstacle, focusing attention on the relationships between the main characters.

In the title role, José van Dam's pathos, deep, mellifluous tone and immaculate phrasing combined for a breathtaking impersonation of the wandering sailor, here a truly romantic hero of flesh and blood. Lisbeth Balslev's Senta was a dauntless, impassioned young lady who reciprocated the Dutchman's emotion with poignancy and conveyed genuine feelings, her luxuriant soprano displaying a cutting edge, used with compelling artistry.

Wieslaw Ochman's ebullient Erik had an appropriately heroic timbre. His and the Dutchman's physical appearances seemed alike, projecting to Senta's eyes a dual profile that ultimately resolved her destiny. Peter Meven's bass lent a suitably sardonic, unscrupulous Daland to the proceedings. Gabor Ötvös conducted the Orchestre Lyrique de Provence and the splendid Stoyan Kralev chorus from Sophia with impetus and expressiveness.