Jonas Kaufmann sings Wagner

Jonas Kaufmann is the pre-eminent Wagner tenor of this generation. For those who haven’t heard him, the voice is dark and manly, with easy ascents above the staff at all dynamic ranges, a top that rings loud and clear, phrasing that confirms great musicianship, a smooth legato, and flawless diction. When he sings softly for a period you are stunned by the power he can muster, and vice-versa. And the sound itself is beautiful—fully rounded, lustrous.