Jonas Kaufmann Sings "La dolcissima effigie" and "L'animo ho stanca" from Adriana Lecouvrerur

July 23 marks the birthday of Italian verismo composer Francesco Cilea (July 23 1866 - Nov. 20 1950).  Of the five operas he composed, only Adriana Lecouvreur is regularly performed. Cilea was a celebrated melodist. This is particularly true of Adriana Lecouvreur - the main characters (Adriana, Maurizio, and Principessa di Bouillon and to a lesser extent the baritone Michonnet) all have wonderful music to sing.  Here is an audio excerpt of German tenor sensation Jonas Kaufmann singing two short arias "La dolcissima effifie" and "L'animo ho stanca."  from a live performance at Covent Garden last December. The Adriana is Angela Gheorghiu. Kaufmann sings the arias with virile tone and marvelous mezza voce.

- Joseph K. So