The phenomenon of the singing style of J. Kaufmann: theoretical aspect
Authors: Yan Haosyuan 
Published: March 2021

Background. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the performing style issues in modern musicology. However, creative work of each musician provides new and new grounds for further reflection, in particular, the creativity of the outstanding contemporary singer Jonas Kaufmann. He is now at the height of his career and his works include opera roles and chamber programs based on the compositions by R. Wagner, J. Verdi, J. Massenet, J. Puccini, R. Strauss, F. Schubert, J. Bizet, and J. Paisiello. The urgency of this study exists owing to the lack of a scientific description of the creative work of J. Kaufmann. The objective of this study is to determine the main features of Kaufmann’s singing style from the point of view of the phenomenological approach. Methods. The complex research methodology is based on the theoretical substantiation of the analysis of a performer style through the positions of the phenomenology of creativity (research by E. Husserl, A. Losev, M. Arkadyev, G. Tsypin). The application of a systematic approach led also to the involvement of the theory of the performing style (research by V. Medushevsky, V. Moskalenko, and Yu. Nikolaievska). Results. The results of the research support the idea that J. Kaufmann’s singing style is a system of interrelated parameters. There are three components of the singing style. The first is related to the general phenomenon of style, the second – to the process of performance and the third – to the specifics of vocal performance. Thus, the musical style (component 1) is an expression of the peculiarities of musical thinking, and musical compositions are the product of dialogue and communication between the performer and the composer (according to V. Medushevsky). In this sense, the status of the performer, who, in fact, is the creator of the interpretation, is strengthened. For the theory of the performing style (component 2) the definition of V. Kholopova is relevant, that style is a «category-introvert» and the concept of «style of creative personality» (S.Shyp), «style of musical creativity» (V. Moskalenko), «type of creative personality» (E. Liberman),»archetype of a musician» (O. Katrych), which focus on individual characteristics, but in the perspective of the formation of universal features. The thinking of the performer-vocalist (component 3) is focused on the vocal-acting embodiment and reincarnation with the help of the voice as an instrument of what is laid down by the composer in the text of the composition, based on his own creative thinking and personality type. Thus, the definition is proposed: The performing vocal (singing) style is the integrity of the highest order, which manifests itself as a type of music-making, based on the characteristics of the timbre colouring of the sound and formed vocal techniques (orientation on language phonetics, rigor or improvisational freedom, expression, etc.). The noted theoretical provisions allow revealing more fully the specifics of J. Kaufmann’s performing style. In addition, basing on journalistic research, interviews and biographical materials, the periods of J. Kaufmann’s creative work has been proposed. Based on the guidelines of the phenomenology of creativity (G. Tsypin) and various interpretative versions of J. Kaufmann, the following components of his singing style have been formulated. 1. Intellectualism, conceptuality of the idea and «cyclicality» of the embodiment – the parameter that is manifested in the singer’s interpretation of the image of Faust in different interpretations (1999 – opera by F. Busoni, 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2015 – dramatic legend by H. Berlioz and opera by S. Gounod, 2011 – symphony by F. Liszt). Moreover, the basis of the singer’s interpretations in the compositions by Ch. Gounod, F. Busoni, H. Berlioz is the German tradition of interpreting the image of Faust and, in particular, Goethe’s poem), which forms the integrity of the singer’s interpretative concept. It has been pointed out that J. Kaufmann always chooses complex programs (chamber cycles by R. Wagner, R. Strauss, G. Mahler) for the formation of liberabends, and the programs are dominated by song cycles «Five Songs on Matilda Wesendonk’s Poems» by R. Wagner, «Three Sonnets of Petrarch» by F. Liszt, «Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo» by B. Britten, «Winter Road» by F. Schubert, «Songs about the Dead Children» by G. Mahler), or evenings are even dedicated to the creative work of one composer (R. Wagner, R. Strauss, G. Mahler), which is reinterpreted by the singer and presented in a new emotional and intellectual key. 2. Commitment to director’s theatre. J. Kaufmann shares the views on the dominance of director’s theatre in the modern world, which he repeatedly noted in the interviews. And although, in particular, the interpretation of Faust as a character of the concepts of different directors is centred by the artist”s personal understanding of the depths of this image, still in different performances one can see its different shades (which depend on the director’s interpretations). 3. Composite system of vocal expression means that allow the singer to model different facets of images. It is noted that J. Kaufmann’s interpretations are characterized by: economy of performing means, commitment of the singer to the cantilena, the role of the rhythmic component in the vocal score, the ability to adjust his voice in different vocal ensembles, brilliant piano and mezzo voce, brightness of forte, filigree of diminuendo and more. J. Kaufmann treats the text (score) with respect, always knows the libretto, he never allows himself to exaggerate in terms of agogics, dynamics, etc.). In Kaufmann’s performance, masculinity always prevails. Conclusions. The essence of the phenomenon of J. Kaufmann’s work is the desire not to stand still, to move forward, to open new pages of music or to rethink already known ones, i. e. the tendency to constant self-development, in terms of phenomenology This applies to the interpretations of the works by F. Schubert, G. Mahler, R. Strauss, the mentioned interpretation of the image of Faust in the works of various composers, which demonstrates his constant rethinking. J. Kaufmann’s chamber performing is of great interest for the study of his style. The complexity and diversity of images, texts of works, the unity of style, the ability to distribute the power of the voice, to subordinate its capabilities to the artistic idea – these are the features that characterize a true master. In addition, in his control is to almost the entire tenor repertoire – opera, concert, and chamber. Overall, we regard him a singer of universal type.