Der fliegende Holländer is the first of Wagner’s operas that the author considered to be representative of his mature style. The Dutchman embodies one of the major themes that recur throughout Wagner’s work, that of a central character seeking redemption from a loving woman. Originally taken from a story by Heinrich Heine, Wagner extended and enriched his musical and dramaturgical language to produce an opera of extraordinary power.

An essay in the guide places the opera in the context of emerging German Romanticism and another highlights the musical riches of the score. A further article explores the emerging importance of myth to Wagner and his contemporaries. As well as a detailed description of the work’s performance history, Wagner’s own instructions to his performers and his programme note about the overture are also included. Illustrations, a thematic guide, the full libretto with English translation and reference sections are also included.

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‘Neat little volumes they are, handy for carrying around, clearly printed and well set-out, complete with libretto and translation, discography and a generous selection of illustrations.’ Gramophone

'Brilliantly produced and superb value.' The Sunday Times

'The jolliest of bargains.' The Musical Times

'Marvellous... the best books of their kind.' Hugh Canning

‘The first thing noticeable about these initial items in the revamped Opera Guides series... is how much more solid and attractive these volumes are compared with the old ones. Production values are up, with more appealing design, clearer print and much better paper, making these books altogether more shelf-worthy.’
BBC Music Magazine

'Excellent new Overture Opera Guide to Wagner’s Flying Dutchman.' Evening Standard

'For everything you need to know, concisely packaged.' The Telegraph

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