Winnipeg Free Press, 23.8.2008
James Manishen
New Music
Kaufmann's rising star is most apparent here in his native German repertoire, where the dark, baritonal shades of his voice and its frequently heroic manner best serve the roles of Max (Weber's Der Freischutz) and Walther (Wagner's Die Meistersinger). Buoyant Italianite lyricism doesn't happen much in this debut disc, with heavy-gestured goings of evergreen arias from La Bohème, Tosca, Traviata, Rigoletto and Don Carlo. But the Flower Song from Carmen is affecting in its sincerity and if you favour a more steely way with Massenet's Ah! Fuyez, douce image (Manon) and Pourquoi me réveiller (Werther), you'll find Kaufmann a genuinely exciting talent.
 






 
 
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