Produkt Der Deutsch Amerikanischen Freundschaft

Digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of this 1981 release from the German Industrial band. The concert featured on Disc Two took place at Haus Blumenthal in Krefeld 1981 and was recorded by a Japanese gentleman, Agi Yuzuru, a journalist, happened to be in Europe to report on the new music that was emerging everywhere - but foremostly in Germany. A tour with DAF, Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, promoting their 'Alles ist gut' Album at the time, was to follow in June of '81, which cemented DIE KRUPPS' reputation as being a fine live-band, and which established them as a force to be reckoned with. Now, 30 years later, DIE KRUPPS are still in existence, touring and playing to fanatic audiences across the globe. There is no end to infinity. The complete concert is made available here for the first time.

A superstar of opera, Jonas Kaufmann is somewhat less renowned for his interpretations of art songs, though this 2014 Sony release of Franz Schubert's Winterreise is his second disc in the genre, following his 2009 recording of Die schöne Müllerin for Decca. Even though it's more recognizable in the context of his Wagner and Verdi roles, Kaufmann's fluid and strongly supported tenor voice is well-suited to Schubert's arching lines and lyrical expressions, and its warm tone and rich timbres convey a variety of moods and emotions with minimal effort and no strain.

"A Most Wanted Man: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (26 tracks; 48 min.) brings the orchestral score of the movie, composed by well-known German musician Herbert Grönemeyer. "Opening Theme" sets the tone for the entire movie: a gentle accordion is interrupted by menacing-sounding violins, with a sense of dread for what is to come. "Annabel Meets Issa" brings a dream-like, dare I say romantic, sound (the tension between Annabel and Issa is one of the main themes of the movie)…

Schubert's devastating song cycle, Die Schöne Mullerin is not solely for the singer, but exists as an equal duet between pianist and voice. Listeners will experience Jonas Kaufmann's voice from an entirely new perspective, as he sings romantic Lieder. Kaufmann's outstanding ability to communicate though the music with his versatile voice is heartwarming. Helmut Deutsch, a renowned collaborative pianist, brings his intelligence and sensitive artistry to bear in these heart-rending performances.

After their album Selige Stunde, Jonas Kaufmann and Helmut Deutsch used the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, to make a further series of recordings. Their second album of songs is devoted to Franz Liszt, a composer for whom both feel a special affinity and whose music has long featured in their shared concert career.