This week's opera releases reviewed

Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Claudio Abbado Decca 478 1463 *****

Jonas Kaufmann has been the subject of considerable critical acclaim over the past year or two, and is now one of the most sought- after tenors in the world, with many critics comparing him to Fritz Wunderlich. He has a fine, robust tenor voice, though it is darker and more baritonal in colour than that great singer. On disc his voice comes across with a real heroic ring. There is no doubt about his timbre, range and formidable technique, which allow him to move from Mozart to Wagner with power, assurance and sensitivity. The interesting programme on this album starts and ends with Wagner, but includes Mozart and some Schubert rarities. A disc for repeated listening and enjoyment. www.deccaclassics.com