Is Jonas Kaufmann really an exceptional tenor?

I've greatly enjoyed what few performances of his I've heard over the radio.

As for the Gigli's, Del Monaco's, etc., please let me know if you run across any singers that you feel fall into that category! :-(

Best wishes,

Petra

Since I remember, I`ve been listening and reading critics about many singers:
Gedda, Del Monaco and even Pavarotti.
The fact is today all those great singers are in the past, so they do not get more those kind of bitter critics.
Kaufmann is alive, singing, and having and outstanding career...! So it's normal that awakes envy and jealousness.

You might be right, VL, but I hope Mr. Kaufmann will stick to what he can serve in his best possible manner rather than trying to perform works of any possible field of the repertory, risking, inevitably, to be less than excellent in some of them and mar his overall picture as a responsible singer.

Parla

You might be right, P, but I hope Mr. Parla will stick to what he can serve in his best possible manner rather than trying to impress in any possible field of the repertory, risking, inevitably, to be less than excellent, even derelict, in some of them and mar his overall picture as a responsible poster.

If I may be "Jonas Kaufmann" of this forum, I guess I have to take it as a compliment, particularly coming from an old, eminent revisiting poster.

However, this is a mere forum of anonymous posters...No "credit" or...

On the subject, what is your view on Mr. Kaufmann's decision (if it was his) to record Schubert's Winterreise, when there has been already a most saturated field of great recordings and when he was not expected to thrive?

Parla

Nothing wrong with being an old, eminent, revisiting poster. There should be lots more of them. I wonder why there aren't.

You might be right, VL, but I hope Mr. Kaufmann will stick to what he can serve in his best possible manner rather than trying to perform works of any possible field of the repertory, risking, inevitably, to be less than excellent in some of them and mar his overall picture as a responsible singer.

Parla

tagalie wrote:

You might be right, P, but I hope Mr. Parla will stick to what he can serve in his best possible manner rather than trying to impress in any possible field of the repertory, risking, inevitably, to be less than excellent, even derelict, in some of them and mar his overall picture as a responsible poster.

" I like your style, [tagalie].  I've always liked your style."

In any case, Jonas Kaufmann prefers to sing (extensively) rather than to develop his style.

Parla

So looking forward to his new recording, a friend of mine have a sampler and it sounds great. Can't wait.

Du bist die Welt für mich. out sept 2014

Greatness is definately there for the taking for Kaufmann. In the light of recent vocal problems and cancellations this article raised the issue of 'squillo', i.e. powerful blaring notes. Richard Fairfax's recent review from BBCan shows the top is still an issue. There are still teaches out there who can release the beast. No-one's born with squillo, it takes painstaking hours of guided practice. Jonas: if you're out there, let me know and I'll put you in touch with someone who can help. You're such a star he'll probably do it for nothing (and no it's not me). (what am I saying; he'd been mad to make it as far as this equally mad and vain comment entry).