Joseph Schmidt (1904-1942) died more than 50 years ago, but the tenor still occupies a warm place in the heart of many Dutch people. Schmidt was born in Romania to Jewish Orthodox parents, but spent a long time in Berlin, where he made many radio recordings. He had a beautiful voice, baritone in sound just like Caruso's (whose influence on Schmidt can be heard), but his small stature prevented him
… from a career on the opera stage. After the rise of fascism in 1933, Schmidt had to flee Germany, after which he made several tours through Europe and the United States. If only he had stayed in America, but unfortunately the tenor returned to Europe. In 1938 he had to flee from Austria. He tried to come to America but eventually ended up in a Swiss refugee camp, where he would die of a heart attack shortly after. The three CDs below contain recordings of the tenor of songs and arias (from operettas and operas), mostly sung in German, but also in English and Dutch. The song "I love Holland", with which Joseph Schmidt conquered (and still conquers) the hearts of the Dutch, is also included. (CP) _ is also included. (CP) _ is also included. (CP) _more
