MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Jonas Kaufmann - Wagner
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RICHARD WAGNER
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Jonas Kaufmann - Wagner
Jonas Kaufmann (tenor) / Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Donald Runnicles, with Markus Brück (bass-baritone)
[ Decca / CD ]
Release Date: Thursday 21 February 2013
Kaufmann's fifth solo album on Decca is specially recorded for the Wagner anniversary year by the world's leading Wagner tenor. Kaufmann and Wagner is a classic combination: "For any Wagnerians who've been slumbering, Fafner-like, in their caves during the last few years, here's your wake-up call: Jonas Kaufmann is the tenor we've been waiting for" (Washington Post).
A selection of the great Heldentenor scenes and arias coupled with the complete (and rarely recorded by the tenor voice) Wesendonck Lieder. Also includes scenes from Die Walküre, Siegfried , Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Tannhäuser and Lohengrin (extended Grail Scene - Gralserzählung - with its original second verse).
Joined by one of the most formidable combinations in the opera world today - the chorus and orchestra of the Deutsche Oper, Berlin, under director Donald Runnicles - this recording is also a sonic spectacular, made in Decca's time-honoured tradition.
"Turn immediately to the Tannhäuser excerpt...Kaufmann both darkens and stresses up his voice to portray the failed pilgrim's predicament...The other operatic excerpts...also find the tenor pushing the confines of a recital disc excitingly towards the level of live performance...the disc is something of a triumph." GRAMOPHONE AWARD WINNER 2013: Vocal
"As Siegmund, his dark, baritonal timbre comes into its own. In Rienzi's Prayer and Tannhäuser's Roman narration, his Italianate timbre - surely what Wagner wanted - easily negotiates the bel canto turns and grace notes overlooked by burlier singers...No Wagner tenor sings Lieder with such musicianship, colour and sensitivity. With this glorious disc, Kaufmann sets a standard for our time." (Sunday Times)
"This should clinch it: Jonas Kaufmann is the pre-eminent Wagner tenor of this generation. For those who haven't heard him, the voice is dark and manly, with easy ascents above the staff at all dynamic ranges (including some crooning that can become more like a mannerism than a service to the music), a top that rings loud and clear, phrasing that confirms great musicianship, a smooth legato, and flawless diction." (ClassicsToday 10/10)
"a matchless Wagner recital...Tannhäuser's Act 3 Rome Narration is a triumph of heroic timbre, dramatic intensity and musical sensibility...The gem for me is the Wesendonck Lieder, intended for soprano and yet, thanks to singing of such melting ardour, perfectly "owned" by the world's leading Wagner tenor." (Financial Times)
"When I listen to Wagner, this is how I dream it should sound." (Musical Toronto)
"This new disc is mostly magnificent, but had me pining for more...Kaufmann may never sing Siegfried in the theatre, but the Forest Murmurs here, in an usually extended version, makes one long to hear him in the complete role; the Tannhäuser Rome Narration even more so, a shattering account...all told this is a further testimony to [Kaufmann's] lonely greatness among contemporary Wagner tenors." (Five Stars) BBC Music Magazine Awards 2014 - Vocal WINNER
Tracks:
Ein Schwert verhieß mir der Vater (from Die Walküre)
Dass der mein Vater nicht ist (from Siegfried)
Allmächt'ger Vater, blick herab! (from Rienzi)
Inbrunst im Herzen (from Tannhäuser)
Am stillen Herd (from Die Meistersinger)
In fernem Land (from Lohengrin)extended version with second verse
Wesendonck-Lieder (5)
