Certainly the greatest Wagnerian tenor alive today (perhaps ever?), Kaufmann is staying steadfast in opera without moving too far out to other pastures like non-Wagnerian Bocelli and others have done, though Jonas has done non-opera recordings, of course. I suspect we all have forgiven him for slipping into falsetto a few years ago. His youthful “indiscretion” is more than paid back with this album. My late father raved about Wagnerian tenor Lauritz Melchior, but after listening to those early recordings (on admittedly less stellar recording technology), I still see Kaufmann as the Wagnerian king, though many will likely disagree.

Puccini was the rock star of his time and for good reason: his arias are glorious. Jonas Kaufmann, one of today's best, sings them with beauty and power. In this effort he is backed by the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia of Rome led by Sir Antonio Pappano, one of today's best opera directors. The resulting music is magical. We're lucky to have it. Is this the best disc of Puccini's tenor arias? That's a silly question certain to spark disagreement. But this collaboration certainly this deserves consideration. It's such a pleasure to listen to!

The Manon Lescaut selections are my favorite, but the whole album is just plain GORGEOUS. I listened to it four times in a row on release day. :)

Simply amazing!! The best of Puccini sung by the best tenor in History. Great purchase... Will not regret it.!