Wagner: The Flying Dutchman (Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Josef Greindl, Josef Metternich, Annalies Kupper, Other Soloists, Berlin-Rias Symphony and Chorus; Decca: Three 12" LPS in Album With Libretto)

A convincing, extremely enjoyable performance of the Wagner opera for non-Wagnerites. It sounds by turn like Weber, Verdi, even Beethoven. Occasionally a singer strays from the mike; otherwise the recording is good, and there is real devotion to the corny but compelling tale of the seagoing spook.