Jonas Kaufmann (tenor), Helmut Deutsch (piano) Decca 478 1528 * * * *

German tenor Jonas Kaufmann's approach to Schubert's song cycle, Die schöne Müllerin, is at times alarmingly direct. Of the darker Winterreisecycle, he has said, "At the beginning of the story you can already hear how it will end. And that's something you must absolutely avoid in the Müllerin."

This approach gives Kaufmann latitude for outpourings coloured with heroic delivery, as well as the expression of heartache and loss. The striking directness of manner is matched by a voice that’s big and free, though he withdraws persuasively into reflective musings. The performance, recorded live in Munich last July, has some moments of undue bluntness, but remains an impressive achievement nonetheless. See url.ie/4w4k