This is the impressive debut of a two-volume set of Maurice Ravel's orchestral music, the second disc by American conductor Leonard Slatkin in his post with the French orchestra - now playing with spirit and a rich sheen, well captured by excellent recording.
The programme ranges from the sunny Alborado del gracioso to the hypnotic allure of the famous Bolero. The four sections of Rapsodie Espagnole shine with brilliance, and burst into Spanish dance rhythms, while Sheherazade is a ''fairy overture'', all that remains of a planned opera.
Other works are Menuet Antique and Piece en forme de habanera (featuring solo violinist Jennifer Gilbert). Most of these started as piano music but display Ravel's mastery in transferring them into orchestral jewels.
Highlight: Glorious performance of Rapsodie Espagnole.
Accompanied by the fine orchestra of the Deutsche Oper, Berlin, conducted by Donald Runnicles, this is Kaufmann's fifth solo album on this label, recorded for the Wagner anniversary year.
For a Wagner lover, there are many outstanding moments in these opera scenes and arias sung by one of the eminent Heldentenors. From Lohengrin there is the Grail Scene Gralserzahlung, with its original second verse. Excerpts from Siegfried, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, and Tannhauser also delight.
These six tracks are coupled with five songs from Richard Wagner's complete and rarely recorded Wesendonck-Lieder (designated by Wagner ''for female voice'') orchestrated by Felix Motti. Kaufmann's programme spans the composer's styles from Rienzi to Siegfried, to show his development.
Highlight: ''Sword monologue'' (Die Walkure), a sonic spectacular.
