Nessun Dorma - The Puccini Album

This first all-Puccini recital album from one of the world’s most celebrated tenors is flush with the excitement that opera lovers should expect. The German Kaufmann might not have the most Italianate “ping” you’ve ever heard—but his powerful vibrato and well-judged dynamic range bring a florid range of effects to nuggets from Manon Lescaut and Turandot (not to mention some of the composer’s lesser-known triumphs). And Kaufmann’s main vocal partner here—soprano Kristīne Opolais—shows a natural rapport with the tenor, thanks to their prior appearances together on top opera stages.