This is passionate singing, sexy even – not for nothing has the German been described as resembling a flamenco artist. The best-known songs here are delivered with electrifying ease, and there is elegance and intensity in the rarities (we mustn’t forget, either, the wonderful contribution of pianist Helmut Deutsch).

The disc that alerted international audiences to Kaufmann’s gifts as both a superb singer and outstanding interpreter of the German art-song repertoire.

Stupendous is the only word to describe it. This is sexy, passionate singing, delivered with thrilling ease.

Kaufmann is arguably the finest tenor Germany has produced since Fritz Wunderlich, with a tone that is both muscular and capable of honeyed delicacy...Deutsch is a master of timing and colouring, and brings a virtuoso flair to Strauss's elaborate, quasi-orchestral writing. A glorious disc.

Kaufmann brings a vigorous quality that seems tireless. Not just a strong voice, Kaufmann posses a vibrant tone that allows him to infuse sustained pitches with dynamism...Deutsch brings elicits wonderfully rich sonorities in the accompaniment of these settings...The two seem to play off each other intuitively, and the result can evoke chamber music.

The rapture and robust tone that the tenor brings to such classics as “Zueignung” and “Ccilie” make one long to hear him as Bacchus, the hero of Ariadne auf Naxos. Though Kaufmann has room to grow as an interpreter of lied, he creates a sweetly introspective mood in “Traum durch die Dmmerung,” with supple phrasing and fine control of dynamics. Helmut Deutsch offers sensitive accompaniments throughout, his playing especially dewy in “Morgen!”.