Verismo Arias Decca 478 2258*****

Jonas Kaufmann must surely have the finest tenor voice today, a dark, velvety instrument of considerable power (reminiscent of Jon Vickers), which he uses with great musicality and sensitivity to the words. Up to now Kaufmann has been mainly associated with the French and German repertoire, but here he shows that he is equally effective in Italian Verismo opera. This makes him one of the first since Plácido Domingo to be able to sing both traditions to the highest standard. He is beautifully accompanied in this recital by Antonio Pappano, who coaxes sinuous sounds from the orchestra supporting the vocal range and depth of a singer who can produce exquisite pianissimos and yet has the power to make Vesti la Giubbasound like the heartfelt lament that it is. A memorable recital from a singer at the peak of his powers. See deccaclassics.com

Download tracks: Vesti la Giubba, Un di all'azzurro spazio