Ludovic spiess biography of christopher

Ludovic Spiess (– 28 February ) was a Romanian spinto tenor.

Ludovic Spiess enjoyed an impressive career as a tenor with a dramatic voice and appreciable artistry for 14 years before being forced to give up because of damaged vocal cords; he later became minister of culture in the post-Communist government in the early s and was director of the Romanian Opera from until He also sang operetta for a couple of seasons.

Spiess was discovered by Ioan Holender and brought to the West, especially Germany. According to Holender in his memoirs Spiess was the first 'modern' singer to audition in Bayreuth with something else Vesti la giubba besides the Wagnerian repertoire. In Herbert von Karajan discovered his talents and invited him to the Salzburg Festival to appear as Dmitri in Mussorsgsky's Boris Godunov, a performance recorded by Decca.

The following year Spiess joined the Zurich Opera, where he remained as principal tenor for some years. As well as appearing on the opera stage, Spiess was celebrated as a concert artist.

Spiess was discovered by Ioan Holender and brought to the West, especially Germany.

A couple of years ago, BBC Legends issued a recording him at the Festival Hall singing in Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde in with Janet Baker and conducted by Rudolf Kempe; it is a fair souvenir of his singing, which was notable for its heroic quality, flexibility and expressiveness. Spiess recorded for Electrecord, Decca, Electrola and Ariola.

After giving up singing, Spiess briefly served as culture minister in the Iliescu government. He returned to music as chief administrator of the National Opera from to But his management skills came under heavy criticism during the period, which was marked by strikes over low pay. The numerous photos include personal and family photos, stage photos, photos from programs and theatre posters all in a chronological order from his birth to his later years.

Final chapters include dedications from his wife Gerda -a former pianist- and colleagues such as Christa Ludwig, Giuseppe Taddei, Georges Pretre etc. An extended discography, filmography and bibliography is included as well.