Florestan

Schumann's writing, like his music, reflects his deeply romantic nature; many of his articles describe the reactions of two imaginary characters of his own invention, representing different aspects of his character, whom he dubbed Florestan (impulsive and spontaneous) and Eusebius (inward and thoughtful).

In defence of Schumann Steven Isserlis 2010

And sometimes it's as if, by chance, we stumble upon a sudden discovery that freezes us in our tracks ( "Florestan").

Been there, done that Matthew Guerrieri 2006

And sometimes it's as if, by chance, we stumble upon a sudden discovery that freezes us in our tracks ( "Florestan").

Archive 2006-09-01 Matthew Guerrieri 2006

"Florestan," said the Count, angrily, "this is the first time that you have permitted any one to enter this room without my permission; if this occurs again, you leave my service."

Caught in the Net ��mile Gaboriau 1852

Though Kaufmann has sung Mozart, and more recently lyric French roles, his larger voice hasn't the effortless flexibility of a lyric tenor, and an emerging proto-dramatic direction has been his wont this season, as Florestan in Fidelio and Don José at La Scala's Carmen under LAPO Music Director Gustavo Dudamel.

Rodney Punt: Jonas Kaufmann Triumphs in Lieder Recital for LA Opera Rodney Punt 2011

Though Kaufmann has sung Mozart, and more recently lyric French roles, his larger voice hasn't the effortless flexibility of a lyric tenor, and an emerging proto-dramatic direction has been his wont this season, as Florestan in Fidelio and Don José at La Scala's Carmen under LAPO Music Director Gustavo Dudamel.

Rodney Punt: Jonas Kaufmann Triumphs in Lieder Recital for LA Opera Rodney Punt 2011

The spoken dialogue and huge orchestra present performance challenges but the rewards – the Mir ist So Wunderbar ensemble, the Prisoners' choruses, Florestan's cry of "Gott!"

Top 50 operas 2011

Though Kaufmann has sung Mozart, and more recently lyric French roles, his larger voice hasn't the effortless flexibility of a lyric tenor, and an emerging proto-dramatic direction has been his wont this season, as Florestan in Fidelio and Don José at La Scala's Carmen under LAPO Music Director Gustavo Dudamel.

Rodney Punt: Jonas Kaufmann Triumphs in Lieder Recital for LA Opera Rodney Punt 2011

Leonora dresses as a man, Fidelio, to rescue her husband Florestan from imprisonment.

Top 50 operas 2011

Dennis O'Neill once had it, as Florestan, but his usual ardent tone seemed to elude him, not helped by being got up as an underneath-the-arches down-and-out, which is not quite the same as a political prisoner subjected to torture.

Niobe, Regina di Tebe; Faust; The Makropulos Case; Fidelio Fiona Maddocks 2010