Arias and duets from »Die Fledermaus«, »A Night in Venice« and »Wiener Blut« by Johann Strauss as well as Viennese songs by Robert Stolz and others. Jonas Kaufmann has always had a special relationship with Austria and especially Vienna. His grandmother had an affinity for operetta and would sing the evergreens of Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár and Robert Stolz. And so, on his frequent visits to his grandparents in Austria, he acquired the Viennese dialect early on. In fact, his very first professional stage production while still a student was the Strauss operetta »A Night in Venice«. Ever since, he has been enthralled by the unforgettable melodies of the city on the Danube. »It was always just good-mood music for me«, remembers Kaufmann. With this concert that accompanies his new album from Sony Classical, the charming tenor returns to his roots in several respects to pay homage to the Austrian capital.
In addition to titles by Johann Strauss, Kaufmann includes a broad spectrum of Viennese songs, including the Robert Stolz compositions »Im Prater blüh’n wieder die Bäume« and »Wien wird schön erst bei Nacht«. And of course, the unofficial anthem of the city will be featured: Rudolf Sieczy?skis »Wien, Du Stadt meiner Träume« – better known all over the world as »Wien, Wien, nur du allein«.