Jonas Kaufmann to Release WAGNER on Decca, Feb 12

Donald Runnicles, Deutschen Oper Berlin join forces with the German tenor for an album of Wagner arias and lieder out February 12, 2013.

On February 12th, Decca releases Jonas Kaufmann's 5th solo album on Decca - specially recorded for the Wagner anniversary year by the world's leading Wagner tenor. The disc includes a selection of the great Heldentenor scenes and arias from Die Walküre, Siegfried, Rienzi, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Tannhäuser and Lohengrin coupled with the complete (and rarely recorded by the tenor voice) Wesendonck Lieder.

With a velvety rich and baritonal timbre unique among tenors performing today, Jonas Kaufmann lends an exquisite sound and unique artistic outlook to a wide variety of repertoire, but it is in the music of Wagner that he has set himself apart as the tenor of our time.

Joined by one of the most formidable combinations in the opera world today - the chorus and orchestra of the Deutschen Oper, Berlin, under director Donald Runnicles - this recording is also a sonic spectacular, made in Decca's time-honored tradition.

Kaufmann's other contributions to Wagner Bicentenary will include performances in the title role of the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Parsifal set to open on February 15, 2013.