Schmidt, Josef. (1904-1942)
Signed Photograph
A rare vintage signed sepia postcard photograph, a head and shoulders study of the great Romanian tenor. Signed in fountain pen ink to the base of the image. 9 x 14 cm. Small tear to right margin, otherwise n very fine condition. 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) (6967)
Signed Photograph Opera