New York Times, May 31, 2010

ANTHONY TOMMASINI

Die schöne Müllerin

After my first hearing of “Die Schöne Müllerin” I thought Mr. Kaufmann’s singing had taste and vigor but was somewhat heavy. The tempos he and Mr. Deutsch take, though never draggy, are mostly slower than what you typically encounter. Yet in subsequent hearings I have been increasingly drawn in. The operatic tinge in Mr. Kaufmann’s singing lends dramatic emphasis to the music. He makes every word count and invests the cycle with involving narrative sweep. Mr. Deutsch provides buoyant and clear-textured support at the piano. Mr. Kaufmann’s growing roster of fans will want both recordings. (Sehnsucht und Schöne Müllerin)