The double Grammy Award-winning classical bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff is a
very highly respected performer whose achievements are all the more remarkable
because he suffers from phocomelia, a condition brought about due to the drug
thalidomide which was prescribed to Quasthoff's mother to help her cope with
morning sickness, a common occurance during the drug's use in the late 1950s.
Although he had the necessary musical ability required to enter Hanover's famous
music conservatory, Quasthoff was denied entry because he was physically unable
to play the piano. Fortunately he w...