Jonas Kaufmann, one of the most celebrated tenors of our time, presents a captivating collection of arias from the German repertoire in his 2009 album "Kaufmann: Mozart/Schubert/Beethoven/Wagner." This album is a testament to Kaufmann's extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility, showcasing his ability to navigate the intricate and demanding roles of German opera with apparent ease and profound emotional depth.
Accompanied by the esteemed Mahler Chamber Orchestra under the baton of the late, great Claudio Abbado, Kaufmann delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and deeply expressive. The album features a carefully curated selection of arias from the works of four titans of classical music: Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, and Wagner. Each piece is a masterclass in vocal artistry, demonstrating Kaufmann's unparalleled control, range, and emotional resonance.
From the ethereal beauty of Mozart's "Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön" to the dramatic intensity of Wagner's "Amfortas! Die Wunde!", Kaufmann's voice is a constant source of wonder. His rendition of Schubert's "Was quälst du mich..." is a poignant exploration of longing and despair, while his performance of Beethoven's "Gott! welch Dunkel hier!" is a powerful display of vocal and dramatic strength.
The album's duration of just under an hour and ten minutes is a testament to the quality over quantity approach, with each track offering a unique insight into Kaufmann's artistry. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a compelling introduction to the world of German opera and a showcase of one of the most remarkable voices of our time.
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620, Act I: No. 3, Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schönWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jonas Kaufmann, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620, Act I: Finale. Die Weisheitslehre dieser Knaben... Aria. Wie stark ist nicht dein ZaubertonWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jonas Kaufmann, Michael Volle, Coro di Teatro Regio Parma, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Fierrabras, D796 / Act 1: "Was quälst du mich..."Franz Schubert, Jonas Kaufmann, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Alfonso und Estrella, D.732: "Schon, wenn es beginnt zu tragen...und mein Herz will ihm nach"Franz Schubert, Jonas Kaufmann, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Fidelio, Op. 72, Act II: Introduction - Gott! welch Dunkel hier! - In des Lebens FrühlingstagenLudwig van Beethoven, Jonas Kaufmann, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Die Walküre, WWV 86B, Act I: Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond "Siegmund's Love Aria"Richard Wagner, Jonas Kaufmann, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act II: Amfortas! Die Wunde!Richard Wagner, Jonas Kaufmann, Margarethe Joswig, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act III: Nur eine Waffe taugt - Höchsten Heiles Wunder!Richard Wagner, Jonas Kaufmann, Coro di Teatro Regio Parma, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
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