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The Lebrecht Interview

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Music: Classical

Classical music critic Norman Lebrecht talks to major figures in the field

The Lebrecht Interview: Thomas Quasthoff

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Thomas Quasthoff

01/08/2011

BBC Radio 3 - The Lebrecht Interview, Thomas Quasthoff

Classical music critic Norman Lebrecht talks to German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff.

Classical music critic Norman Lebrecht talks to German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, widely considered to be one of the finest lieder singers performing today.

Norman Lebrecht meets the German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff, widely considered to be one of the finest lieder singers performing today. Although only four feet tall, with very short arms - Quasthoff's mother was prescribed thalidomide during pregnancy - Quasthoff is nevertheless a towering presence on the stage. 

In this extensive and wide-ranging interview, Quasthoff reflects on his happy childhood, his very close relationship with his brother Michael (who died of cancer last year), and the challenges of rebuilding his marriage after its apparent collapse. 

Having said some years ago that he wouldn't return to the operatic stage, Quasthoff tells Norman how he's been lured back, and how his fundamental optimism has remained intact.

Producer Emma Bloxham.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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