A Thousand Times No

I had been looking forward to hearing German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff in concert for months. His story is unusual, and ultimately, hopeful. His mother was prescribed thalidomide for her morning sickness while carrying him, and his self-description sums up the result: “1.34 meters tall, short arms, seven fingers — four right, three left — large, relatively well-formed head, brown eyes, distinctive lips; profession: singer.”

Quasthoff’s voice is remarkable for its smooth, sonorous beauty, and clear, flowing articulation, particularly in German. He was set to appear with the Philadephia Orchestra during the next week, both here in Verizon Hall and also at Carnegie Hall, performing Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder. There’s nothing like a little Mahler to remind you that a life full of complications, suspensions, and constant shifts between bright and dark can, for all its challenges, be a remarkably beautiful thing.

Sadly, Quasthoff cancelled his Philadelphia Orchestra engagements early this week due to a serious bronchial infection. As with all musicians, singers must protect their instruments, and Quasthoff’s is a doozy. I’m disappointed, but not shedding any tears — that’s reserved for when I finally do get to hear him in person. Throw in the towel, indeed.