Thomas Quasthoff - (A) Portrait
A welcome souvenir of Quasthoff’s superb artistry in three genres
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann
Genre:
Vocal
Label: Red Seal
Magazine Review Date: 2/2002
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 77
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: 74321 86952-2

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Erlkönig |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Charles Spencer, Piano Franz Schubert, Composer Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
(Der) Zwerg |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Charles Spencer, Piano Franz Schubert, Composer Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
Prometheus |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Charles Spencer, Piano Franz Schubert, Composer Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
Winterreise, Movement: No. 5, Der Lindenbaum |
Franz Schubert, Composer
Charles Spencer, Piano Franz Schubert, Composer Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
Liederkreis, Movement: No. 5, Mondnacht |
Robert Schumann, Composer
Robert Schumann, Composer Roberto Szidon, Piano Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
Dichterliebe, Movement: Im wunderschönen Monat Mai |
Robert Schumann, Composer
Robert Schumann, Composer Roberto Szidon, Piano Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
Belsatzar |
Robert Schumann, Composer
Robert Schumann, Composer Roberto Szidon, Piano Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
St John Passion, Movement: Eilt, ihr angefochtnen Seelen |
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Enoch zu Guttenberg, Conductor Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer Munich Bach Collegium Neubeuern Community Chorus Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
St John Passion, Movement: Mein teurer Heiland |
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Enoch zu Guttenberg, Conductor Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer Munich Bach Collegium Neubeuern Community Chorus Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
(Le) nozze di Figaro, '(The) Marriage of Figaro' |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Jörg Faerber, Conductor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer Württemberg Chamber Orchestra |
Don Giovanni, Movement: Madamina, il catalogo è questo |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Jörg Faerber, Conductor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer Württemberg Chamber Orchestra |
Don Giovanni, Movement: Deh! vieni alla finestra |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Jörg Faerber, Conductor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer Württemberg Chamber Orchestra |
(Die) Zauberflöte, '(The) Magic Flute', Movement: Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Jörg Faerber, Conductor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer Württemberg Chamber Orchestra |
(Die) Zauberflöte, '(The) Magic Flute', Movement: Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Jörg Faerber, Conductor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer Württemberg Chamber Orchestra |
(Die) Zauberflöte, '(The) Magic Flute', Movement: Pa-Pa-Pa-Papagena |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
José Collado, Conductor Montserrat Caballé, Soprano South West German Radio Orchestra Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer |
(Die) Zauberflöte, '(The) Magic Flute', Movement: In diesen heil'gen Hallen |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Jörg Faerber, Conductor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer Württemberg Chamber Orchestra |
Fidelio, Movement: Des besten Königs Wink und Wille |
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra Bavarian State Opera Chorus Ben Heppner, Tenor Colin Davis, Conductor Deborah Voigt, Soprano Elizabeth Norberg-Schulz, Soprano Günter von Kannen, Bass Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer Matthias Hölle, Bass Michael Schade, Tenor Thomas Quasthoff, Baritone |
Author:
Quasthoff’s reputation has increased with each new disc‚ so it is a good idea of RCA’s to issue this composite picture of his achievements to date. We are here reminded that the eminent bassbaritone has just about every virtue called for in practically all the repertory included here. His voice is faultless in tonal production and technical assurance: he always sings with thought for the text; word and note become as one. These assets are controlled by a sharp‚ intelligent mind and an emotional impulse that makes every reading a sustenance for ear and mind. The Schubert group – four dramatic songs‚ one reflective – are delivered with a marked emphasis on firm tone‚ a refined legato and acute use of text. His Schumann is hardly less successful.
The two airs from Bach’s St John Passion have the breadth of line and sonorous voice that make them nearideal. In Mozart‚ his imposing account of Count Almaviva’s outburst contrasts nicely with his suave Giovanni‚ but his Leporello is rather too wellbehaved. The traversal of Sarastro’s second aria is the very epitome of wise authority and most beautiful to hear. He plays Papageno pretty straight‚ and then – in the only new item here – he’s joined by Caballé‚ of all singers‚ for the duet with Papagena‚ a real collector’s piece‚ the then 65yearold diva just about keeping up with her partner.
Finally comes the closing scene of Fidelio with Quasthoff‚ as I wrote when the set came out‚ as noble and warm a Don Fernando as one could wish. Sir Colin Davis is at his best in this extract from what overall is an uneven set. Elsewhere in the present compilation the piano playing and conducting are all worthy of this artist’s profoundly satisfying work.
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