If anyone was concerned that Kaufmann's first CD for his new record label Sony Classical - a collection of Verdi arie - meant he might be leaving the Wagner roles in which he is so welcome - and needed - they need not worry. It seems not only does he have no intention of in someway "abandoning" Wagner, but in the future he intends to perform all of Wagner's major tenor roles.
"Currently I'm concentrating on Verdi" he told DPA, "But I am determined to someday sing all the great Wagner tenor roles. But I do not want to be pushed too early into the Heldentenor role. My vocal development will lead me there naturally someday.
And the difference between Wagner and Verdi?
"Wagner has written out everything down to the smallest detail. This leaves nothing to chance. Verdi, on the other hand, gave singers more freedom. It offers an arena in which you can indulge. What more could you want? "