If you've ever listened to a Rufus Wainwright album, then you know that in parts they can be somewhat grandiose, like a musical Fabergé egg. It's something of a surprise then, that after a number of lush releases, and an opera, Prima Donna, debuting in Manchester next July, Wainwright wants his next album to be simple piano and vocals.

"That the album will just be a solo piano/voice, just sitting in the studio alone and making it about the music," Wainwright said. "After all that, it's an opportunity to have this slight moment of intimacy with me – which I know everybody wants."

It might be far to guess that after producing an opera entitled Prima Donna, all of the opulence is drained from the man.

[NME]