Album insights
Thomas Quasthoff merges classic US standards with German poetry in his album "Mein Weihnachten". The release includes iconic songs like "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas" and "White Christmas", along with readings of poems by Bonhoeffer, Brecht, Rilke, among others. Despite announcing the end of his singing career, Quasthoff’s voice remains active and vibrant. He recently participated in various performances, such as speaking alongside Rolando Villazón in Baden-Baden. Not only is he known for his jazz performances but also for his eloquent recitations of books and poetry in public settings. Quasthoff initially gained recognition as a distinctive voice at the North German Radio, and now he creatively blends his jazz influences and passion for poetry in his latest album. "Mein Weihnachten" offers a unique journey into the lively pre-Christmas vibe of the US while offering a literary exploration of German Christmas traditions, combining Bing Crosby with the likes of Ringelnatz, Rilke, and Bertolt Brecht. The album serves as a nostalgic reflection on childhood memories, capturing the essence of both musical and literary worlds.