The story about the creation of the opera "The Flying Dutchman" seems to have been very adventurous for Richard Wagner. For the first time, Wagner's attention was drawn to the legend of the "Flying Dutchman" through the story "Memoirs of the Lord von Schnabelewopski" by Heinrich Heine. The opera includes a longing for the eternal loyalty of a beloved woman. When Wagner lost his position as music director in Riga, he was forced to flee across the Polish border for fear of creditors. The following two-week boat trip to London must have been very stormy and turbulent and seems to have left a profound impression on Wagner. During this trip, Wagner got to know the life of a sailor and some of the customs of the sea. These experiences and impressions found their way into the composition of the "Flying Dutchman", with which Wagner began around 1841 according to the first drafts. The opera was premiered in Dresden in 1843 with moderate success. (Edition Symphonic Works)