The Voice: A Memoir
Baritone Quasthoff (b. 1959) conquered the physical limitations he suffered as having been a thalidomide baby to become a renowned interpreter of lieder, operatic roles, and art songs. The son of musical parents, he first learned many songs from the phonograph. Winning first prize in the 1988 ARD International Music Competition launched his career. Beginning with German lieder, he built a repertory now ranging through the entire vocal literature, including popular songs and jazz. Very sociable, he loves telling stories and socializing with friends after performances. Now a teacher in Berlin, he limits his performance schedule to make time for his family. Once description of his struggles in childhood is over, he writes freely, drawing the reader into his life and career with anecdotes, comments on surviving in the cutthroat world of performance and recording, and examples of his generous humanity toward others and those who helped him surmount his infirmities. The enjoyable memoir of a great and otherwise remarkable singer. --Alan Hirsch