Unsurprisingly, Herr Kaufmann is both diplomatic and gentlemanly as he answers questions about Regieoper. His comments about Hans Neuenfels' Lohengrin at Bayreuth are both positive and complimentary. He is less positive about Richard Jones' vision in Munich; but he's never rude, nor is he ever particularly negative. While indirectly suggesting that some directors should see a therapist instead of working out their parental issues on stage (politely naming no names), Herr Kaufmann also offers a positive argument for thoughtfully presented Regieoper.
This 42-minute interview (it's well worth the time) also includes video excerpts from the Jones Munich Lohengrin, including a complete Mein lieber Schwann. Near the end, he is asked about other Wagnerian roles. He has done four already (where is a recording of his Walther in Meistersinger?) and he shares a proposed plan for taking on the rest (eventually.)
The good bloggers at The
Wagnerian drew our attention to this
interview, which is courtesy of Opera
Online. The interview is subtitled in
French, however it is conducted in Herr Kaufmann's rather eloquent English. I
love his melting-pot accent: part American, part British, part generic
European. And of course, he's not hard to look at!
Das süße Lied verhallt u. Atmest du nicht?
Complete Lohengrin from La Scala 2012
Other clips of Jonas Kaufmann in Lohengrin:
Im Fernen LandDas süße Lied verhallt u. Atmest du nicht?
Complete Lohengrin from La Scala 2012
I discovered this interview by accident and have bookmarked it. The man is a superb artist and musician. So far I have loved everything I have heard him sing. I already have the Zurich Tosca and don't know whether I will go for ROH--probably will, however. I can't imagine him improving on Cavaradosi's arias. I have never heard them sung with such nuance and subtlety. I grew up with a 78's recording with Gigli and Caniglia. Even as a teen ager I know that Caniglia was not an ideal Tosca, but Gigli, well, he was Gigli: beautiful, sometimes lacrymose and very Italian. My next Tosca was Callas and later Kabaivanska, an artist I admire. But Johas leads the pack. I do hope a von Stolzing is in the works: Harteros as Eva and Pape as Sachs. Record it either in Munich or Berlin. Conductor? either Barenboim or Thielemann. Please hurry I am getting older and I want this very badly.
ReplyDeleteThe interview is well worth the 40+ minutes it takes to listen. I found one selection from Meistersinger. Now I need to figure out who the bass is (Michael Volle, perhaps?) http://youtu.be/63yxzHgli2A
DeleteDoes anyone know who it is who is interviewing JK?
ReplyDelete