Finley and Davidsen sound like sleep-walkers as they plumb the depths of their shared predicament, and they are supported by a first-class cast. Stanislas de Barbeyrac’s agonised Erik and Brindley Sherratt ’s banal Daland are vividly realised, while Eirik Grøtvedt’s Steersman periodically injects a lovely note of tenor sweetness.

Powerful, fearless, mostly singing with vocal beauty, [Davidsen] is a force to reckon with...

These may have been concert performances, but they lack nothing in drama thanks to Gardner’s grip on pace and tension. Add in a lusty contribution from the choir and very decent orchestral playing and there is no reason to hold back.

Overall, this is an alert, cohesive, significant addition to the discography...Gardner conducts an electrifying account from Norwegian National Opera, the chorus deftly adapting to the drama, a Chicagoan edge to the brass, and well-cast leads.

Finley’s introspective, aristocratic Dutchman is lighter of voice than we often hear in the role, but wrings every last psychological nuance from text and line throughout. But at the heart of it all is Davidsen, who delivers a performance so commanding that the recording may as well be renamed 'Senta'…One caveat about vocal balance notwithstanding, this is now a hot contender in a crowded discography, and one of the most thrilling Wagner recordings to come my way in years.

from the moment that she launches into Senta’s ballad in the second act, colouring it to spine-tingling effect, Davidsen holds the stage, and makes every set-piece compelling, putting Gerald Finley’s Dutchman entirely in the shade as she soars through their great duet...de Barbeyrac clearly relishes his cavatina in the third act and Sherratt’s wonderfully even tone is always beautifully controlled.

with her powerful but flexible voice [Davidsen] certainly creates a distinctive Senta, not so much a star-struck girl as someone driven by greater forces to achieve the Dutchman’s redemption. The Dutchman himself...is interpreted rather more quietly by Gerald Finley. Sensitive, thoughtful, weary; this too is a striking characterisation.