The German-Austrian tenor Jonas Kaufmann is at that point in a long, world-leading career where he can revisit favourite moments and show he is still in the game. Puccini: Love Affairs, with the Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, conductor Asher Fisch, features duets and scenes from six operas, sung with six star sopranos. Kaufmann’s first Puccini album, Nessun Dorma (2015), was a big hit. This is sure to follow suit.
Kaufmann’s recent uneven stage performances and cancellations have drawn criticism. A studio recording allows him to find his best form. Some upper notes strain a little, but his lyricism and musical intelligence are intact. The album starts by plunging straight into the climactic aria from La bohème, O soave fanciulla (with Pretty Yende), then settles into more extensive extracts: from Manon Lescaut (Anna Netrebko), Tosca (Sonya Yoncheva), La fanciulla del West (Malin Byström), Il tabarro (Asmik Grigorian) and Madama Butterfly (Maria Agresta).
The album comes with a presentation booklet, with full texts and an interview with Kaufmann in which he describes seeing Madama Butterfly as a child in Munich, and becoming hooked. He remains a serious advocate. This will delight fans. As a showcase for Puccini’s range and emotional intensity, it’s a good place to start.
