Schmidt, Josef. (1904-1942)
Signed Photograph
A rare vintage signed silver postcard photograph, a very unusual and humorous image of the Romanian tenor, outfitted as a chef for the 1932 "Jubilaums-Reichs-Gastwirts-Messe" in Berlin. Boldly signed and in very fine condition. 9 x 14 cm. Due to his small figure, he was known affectionately as the "pocket Caruso." Autographs of Schmidt are rare, following his tragically early death at the age of 38."As a boy he sang in the synagogue at Czernowitz (now Chernovtsy, Ukraine), and he remained active as a cantor throughout his professional life. He studied in Vienna, but his future as an operatic tenor was limited by his smallness of stature. Broadcasts and recordings provided the answer: in 1928 he made his radio début in a performance of Idomeneo in Berlin, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers in Germany. He also enjoyed success in films, which led to a first tour of the USA in 1936. Germany became closed to him in 1934 and Austria in 1938; he took refuge in Belgium, then Switzerland, where he died in an internment camp." (Grove Online) (5589)
Signed Photograph Opera