Billing this new Der fliegende Holländer as “Lise Davidsen’s first full length opera recording on Decca Classics” is a little disingenuous, since Universal is simply issuing the live concert that marked the arrival of Edward Gardner as Music Director at the Oslo Opera House in 2022. It’s also, according to the marketing blurb, something of an oddity, as this is apparently the only time the Norwegian soprano will appear as Senta. None of that is meant to sound curmudgeonly, however, as it’s an outstanding recording and Davidsen’s is a vital interpretation of a role that on this showing fits her like a glove.

Her instinctual approach is evident at once from the famous Ballad, which she and Gardner invest with just the right degree of rubato to land all its punches. Her carefuly calibrated cries of “Johohoe” draw the listener in from the outset, and her diction is exemplary, bringing a narrative saltiness to the storytelling. Brave choices, emotional intensity and thrilling top notes are a regular feature.

Davidsen’s refulgent soprano is partnered here by the focused, introspective bass-baritone...