Schubert - Winterreise / Thomas Quasthoff, Daniel Barenboim (2005)

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Schubert - Winterreise / Thomas Quasthoff, Daniel Barenboim (2005)

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This DVD showcases Quasthoff’s soulful interpretation of Schubert’s Die Winterreise, filmed earlier this year in Berlin with Daniel Barenboim on the piano.
It captures not only Quasthoff’s exceptional musicality but also the emotional gravity of his performance, which led Der Tagesspiegel to extol Quasthoff’s astonishing ability "not so much recall events as relive them all over again, summoning them back to life."
In addition to the full concert, the DVD includes rich bonus footage from the rehearsal and interviews with Thomas Quasthoff and Daniel Barenboim – allowing a close look on how these two musical masterminds work out their vision of Schubert’s touching masterpiece.

Review : At almost the same time, the two noticeable Schubert's "Winterreise" dvds were released: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau/Brendel version and Thomas Quasthoff/Barenboim version. I already knew Fischer-Dieskau is such a famous baritone especially for this Schubert's song cycle. I own a CD of Fischer-Dieskau/Brendel's Winterreise recorded in 1985, which I didn't like very much because I couldn't "feel" the spirit of the music. (The Fischer-Dieskau's recording of the dvd was made in 1979.) After getting some information about Quasthoff, with whom I was not very familiar, I decided to buy this dvd. It seemed to be a venture because I hadn't heard any songs he sang before.

As soon as I got this dvd, I opened and played it with some expectation and curiosity. When I saw the baritone come onto the stage, I was surprised by his physical difference from us. I was surprised once again when he began to sing. He has such a great voice that is soft but strong, warm but clear. His musical expression with his voice is mesmerising and even spiritual. I was able to feel the essence of the Schubert from his devoted singing. Barenboim's piano supported the baritone very harmoniously. To me, this Quasthoff's Winterreise (recorded live at the Berlin Philharmonie this year) is a lot better than Fischer-Dieskau's 1985 version. When Quasthoff sang the last song "Der Leiermann" and closed his eyes at the end, I was deeply touched and was able to picture the Muller's poem in my mind. I have seen the dvd many times since I got it. The more I watch him sing, the more I like and admire him. I think this dvd will be my all-time favorite. So, my venture ended up discoverig a treasure.

The sound format is quality DTS/DD 5.1 & PCM. For some reason, the vision (16x9 anamorphic) is not as good as most other recent concert dvds but not bad. Anyway, this dvd is highly recommended! You will find a new virtuoso of "Winterreise"!

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Schubert - Winterreise / Thomas Quasthoff, Daniel Barenboim (2005)

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