Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

November 9, 1959 in Hildesheim, Germany

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Thomas Quasthoff was born on November 9, 1959, in Hildesheim, Germany. He was born with severe birth defects that affected his arms and legs, which led to him being only 1.34 meters tall. Despite his physical limitations, Quasthoff was determined to pursue a career in music. Quasthoff began his musical training as a child, studying piano and singing in a church choir. He later studied voice at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hannover, where he was a student of Professor Charlotte Lehmann. Quasthoff's talent was quickly recognized, and he won several awards and competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1988. Quasthoff's career took off in the 1990s, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after bass-baritones in the world. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He also appeared in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera. Quasthoff was known for his powerful voice and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Bach, Schubert, and Schumann. He was also a champion of contemporary music, and he premiered many new works by composers such as Wolfgang Rihm and Hans Werner Henze. Quasthoff's many recordings were widely acclaimed, and he won numerous awards for his work. He won three Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Vocal Performance in 2000 and 2003, and Best Small Ensemble Performance in 2006. He also won the Echo Klassik Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. In addition to his performing career, Quasthoff was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin and was a visiting professor at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He also served as a judge for many international singing competitions. Quasthoff retired from performing in 2012, citing health reasons. He continued to be active in the music world, however, and served as a mentor and advisor to many young singers. He also wrote a memoir, "The Voice: A Memoir," which was published in 2016. Quasthoff's legacy as one of the greatest classical singers of his generation is secure. His powerful voice and his ability to convey emotion through his singing touched the hearts of audiences around the world. His dedication to his craft and his determination to overcome his physical limitations serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.

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