Immerse yourself in the profound and resonant voice of Thomas Quasthoff with his 2006 album "Betrachte, meine Seel." This captivating collection of sacred arias showcases Quasthoff's extraordinary baritone, accompanied by the stellar Staatskapelle Dresden under the direction of Sebastian Weigle. The album spans a rich tapestry of Baroque masterpieces, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, and Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah."
The title track, "Betrachte, meine Seel" from Bach's St. John Passion, sets the tone for this spiritually uplifting journey through some of the most beloved and profound sacred music ever composed. Quasthoff's interpretation of these timeless pieces is both powerful and nuanced, offering a deep and moving experience for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The album includes iconic works such as the Christmas Oratorio, the St. Matthew Passion, Handel's Messiah, Haydn's The Seasons, and Mendelssohn's Elijah, providing a comprehensive exploration of the sacred aria genre.
Recorded with meticulous attention to detail and released under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, "Betrachte, meine Seel" is a testament to Quasthoff's artistry and the enduring beauty of these classical masterpieces. The album's duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes ensures a fulfilling and immersive listening experience, making it a cherished addition to any classical music collection.
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 1 - For the First Day of Christmas: No. 8 "Großer Herr, o starker König"Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part Three - For the third Day of Christmas: No. 29 Duett (Sopran, Baß): "Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Sibylla Rubens, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
St. John Passion, BWV 245 / Part Two: 31. Arioso: "Betrachte, meine Seel"Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
St. John Passion, BWV 245 / Part Two: No.32 Aria (baß) - Chorus: " Mein teurer Heiland "Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle, Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Matthias Brauer
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 / Pt. 2: No. 75 Aria (Bass): "Mache dich, mein Herze, rein"Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Messiah / Part 3: 45. Behold, I tell you a mystery - 46. Aria: The trumpet shall soundGeorge Frideric Handel, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Die Jahreszeiten - Hob. XXI:3 / Der Frühling: Nos.3&4 "Vom Widder strahlet jetzt"-"Schon eilet froh"Joseph Haydn, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Die Jahreszeiten - Hob. XXI:3 / Der Winter: No. 38 Arie/Rez.: "Erblicke hier, betörter Mensch"Joseph Haydn, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
The Creation (Die Schöpfung) / Part 1 (Sung in German): Und Gott sprach...Rollend in schäumenden WellenJoseph Haydn, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25 - German Text / Part 1: No. 14: "Herr Gott Abrahams"Felix Mendelssohn, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25 - German Text / Part 2: No. 26 "Es ist genug! So nimm nun, Herr"Felix Mendelssohn, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Paulus, Op. 36, MWV A14 / Part 1: No. 18 Arie: "Gott, sei mir gnädig"Felix Mendelssohn, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - Arr. Friedrich MeyerTraditional, Thomas Quasthoff, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sebastian Weigle
Deep River - Arr. Friedrich MeyerAnonymous, Thomas Quasthoff, Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Matthias Brauer