This album is mostly a tour de force as Kaufmann brings his musical artistry to the great Puccini arias. As befits the singer’s darkly refulgent voice, the album is luxurious, including a short DVD showing him in rehearsals.
While the singer has not been greatly associated with Puccini to date, he clearly has thought deeply about these arias, some of which are from lesser- known Puccini operas. The result, though not entirely successful, does make for a thoughtful and engaging recital. The bigger arias (such as the Nessun Dorma) are delivered in resplendent fashion, but he is less comfortable in the smaller lyrical items where he has difficulty in scaling down his approach.
His partner in the Manon Lescaut duets (Kristine Opolais) is adequate. Antonio Pappano’s conducting, is sensitive and beguiling.
