 |
Michael CretuSinger, composer, producer.
Date of Birth: 18.05.1957
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of Michael Cretu
Michael Cretu is a singer, composer, and producer. He is best known as the mastermind behind the enigmatic project Enigma, releasing their first album in 1990. He has also collaborated with artists such as Sandra, Andy Hard, Peter Cornelius, and Hubert Kah, and has released his own solo albums.
Early Life and Musical Career
Cretu's musical career began in 1965 when he enrolled in a college for young talented musicians. His main instrument was the piano. In 1968, he spent five months studying in Paris, and in 1975, at the age of 18, he was accepted into the Music Academy in Frankfurt. After graduating with honors in 1978, Cretu started working as a studio musician and arranger.
Rise to Fame
In 1983, Cretu released his first album, "Legionare," on the Virgin label. By 1985, he had achieved success as a songwriter, producer, and keyboardist for Moti Special. He produced the international hit single "Maria Magdalena" and released another solo album, "Die Chinescische Mauer" ("The Chinese Wall"), followed by "The Invisible Man," which featured English lyrics.
In 1987, Cretu's success continued as he worked as a producer for Mike Oldfield. In 1988, he married Sandra Lauer, and they settled on the island of Ibiza, Spain. They own an old farmhouse, which serves as their residence and studio (A.R.T. Studio), as well as a renovated 18th-century house in the center of Ibiza Town, which is a historical monument. Cretu opened a restaurant in the basement of this house, and it is known that he often invites musicians to dine here.
Enigma and Continued Success
In 1990, Cretu released his most famous album, "MCMXC a.D.," under the name Enigma. Three years later, he composed his first film soundtrack for the movie "Sliver." In discussing his work, Cretu admitted that he had always wanted to be a pianist and that he "started writing hits the day [he] bought a piano."
Cretu is known to be a nocturnal person and a workaholic. He spent seven months creating "The CROSS of Changes," often working from 10 pm to 11 am. He rarely saw the sun during this time, and instead of enjoying his new mountain bike or racing yacht (one of his hobbies), he was busy sitting in front of three terminals, sifting through and listening to hundreds of CDs of primitive chants from different cultures. He created samples, compared and cataloged the material, and then began composing.
To ensure that his unusual and intense work rhythm would not be disrupted by power outages (which occasionally occurred where he lived), Cretu installed his own generator in his home, which powered his studio. He also had two backup generators. This gave him confidence that his work would not be interrupted.
Despite his dedication to his music, Cretu acknowledges that he is, of course, very happy where he lives.
