Thomas Quasthoff sings Schubert: January 9, 2012

Our latest Noteworthy video is from a March 2005 live performance by the brilliant German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff – who just this month has announced his retirement from the concert stage. Mr. Quasthoff has been called "one of the most remarkable singers of his generation", renowned for his interpretation of the German Lied repertory as well as the vocal music of Bach, Mozart, and even jazz and popular songs. In his press release, Mr. Quasthoff wrote, "After almost 40 years, I have decided to retire from concert life. My health no longer allows me to live up to the high standard that I have always set for my art and myself." Mr. Quasthoff was born with a birth defect caused by thalidomide poisoning, resulting in the shortened growth of his arms and legs. In this performance of Schubert's "Der Leiermann" from Winterreise, Mr. Quasthoff is joined by the great pianist Daniel Barenboim. We at Classical Archives congratulate Thomas Quasthoff for a brilliant performing and recording career, and wish him much success and pleasure with his continued teaching and talk-show activities. Share your thoughts with us!

Thomas Quasthoff sings Schubert’s “Der Leiermann”