Dive into the rich, resonant world of Thomas Quasthoff with "The Voice," a stunning two-disc collection released by Deutsche Grammophon in 2006. This operatic masterpiece spans over two hours and fourteen minutes, showcasing the extraordinary vocal range and interpretive depth of one of classical music's most celebrated bass-baritones.
"The Voice" is a testament to Thomas Quasthoff's versatility and artistry, featuring a diverse array of compositions from Schubert and Schumann to Bach and Wagner. The album opens with live performances from the Cité de la musique in Paris, including orchestrated works by Schubert, brought to life with the nuanced expressiveness that Quasthoff is renowned for.
The tracklist is a journey through some of the most beloved and profound works in the operatic repertoire. From the haunting beauty of Schubert's "Schwanengesang" to the spiritual depth of Bach's "Cantata 'Ich habe genug'" and the lyrical elegance of songs by Robert Schumann and Franz Liszt, each piece is performed with a rare combination of technical mastery and emotional resonance.
Quasthoff's voice, described as one of the deepest and richest in the vocal world, strikes a perfect balance between virile energy and poetic introspection. Whether he is delivering the dramatic intensity of Wagner's "Tannhäuser" or the tender intimacy of Schubert's "Die Forelle," his performances are marked by a profound understanding of the music and a deep connection with the text.
"The Voice" is not just a collection of songs; it is a comprehensive showcase of Thomas Quasthoff's extraordinary talent and his ability to bring new dimensions to both familiar and lesser-known works. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Quasthoff's artistry or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a captivating exploration of the human voice and the power of song.
An die Musik, D. 547 (Orch. Reger) - LiveFranz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Erlkönig, D. 328 (Orch. Reger) - LiveFranz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Schwanengesang, D. 957: Ständchen (Orch. Offenbach as "La Sérénade de Schubert") - LiveFranz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Greisengesang D. 778 (Orch. Reger) - Live at Cité de la musique, Paris, 2002Franz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Der Wildschütz / Act II: Fünftausend Taler!... Träum oder wach' ich?Albert Lortzing, Thomas Quasthoff, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Christian Thielemann
Euryanthe / Act II: Wo berg' ich mich? ... Schweigt, glüh'nden SehnensCarl Maria von Weber, Thomas Quasthoff, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Christian Thielemann
Tannhäuser / Act III: Wie Todesahnung... O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram)Richard Wagner, Thomas Quasthoff, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Christian Thielemann
Die schweigsame Frau, Op. 80, TrV. 265 / Act III: Wie schön ist doch die MusikRichard Strauss, Thomas Quasthoff, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Christian Thielemann
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Des Antonius von Padua FischpredigtGustav Mahler, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Lob des hohen VerstandesGustav Mahler, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Cantata "Ich habe genug" BWV 82: I. "Ich habe genug, ich habe den Heiland"Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Barock Solisten, Rainer Kussmaul
Cantata "Ich habe genug" BWV 82: II. Recitativo: Ich habe genug! Mein Trost ist nur alleinJohann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Barock Solisten, Rainer Kussmaul
Cantata "Ich habe genug" BWV 82: III. Aria: Schlummert ein, ihr matten AugenJohann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Barock Solisten, Rainer Kussmaul
Cantata "Ich habe genug" BWV 82: IV. Recitativo: Mein Gott! wann kommt das schöne Nun!Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Barock Solisten, Rainer Kussmaul
Cantata "Ich habe genug" BWV 82: V. Aria: Ich freue mich auf meinen TodJohann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Berliner Barock Solisten, Rainer Kussmaul
Auf der Bruck, D.853 (Op.93/4)Franz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Heidenröslein, D. 257 (Op. 3/3)Franz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Die Forelle, D.550 (Op.32)Franz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Die schöne Müllerin, D.795: 10. TränenregenFranz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Die schöne Müllerin, D.795: 11. Mein!Franz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Schwanengesang, D. 957: X. Das Fischermädchen: Du schönes FischermädchenFranz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Schwanengesang, D. 957: XIV. Die Taubenpost: Ich habe eine Brieftaub (D. 965A)Franz Schubert, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
"Du bist wie eine Blume", Op. 25, No. 24Robert Schumann, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Auf Flügeln des Gesanges, Op. 34, No. 2: "Auf Flügeln des Gesanges, Herzliebchen, trag ich dichFelix Mendelssohn, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Fünf Gesänge Op. 72: 4. VerzagenJohannes Brahms, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Fünf Gesänge Op. 72: 5. UnüberwindlichJohannes Brahms, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Fünf Lieder Op. 94: 4. Sapphische OdeJohannes Brahms, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Die Loreley, S.273 - 1. FassungFranz Liszt, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
O lieb, so lang du lieben kannst, S.298Franz Liszt, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
"Es muss ein Wunderbares sein" S.314Franz Liszt, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen
Drei Balladen Op. 2: No. 2: Herr OlufCarl Loewe, Thomas Quasthoff, Justus Zeyen