Biography
Michael Cretu (born May 18, 1957, Bucharest, Romania) is a Romanian-German composer, producer, and the mastermind behind the musical project Enigma. Cretu began his career in the late 1970s and gained recognition producing for artists like Sandra, whom he later married. He studied classical music in Paris and Frankfurt and became known for his unique blending of sacred and modern sounds.
Enigma & Influence
In 1990, he released the groundbreaking album MCMXC a.D. under the Enigma moniker. It was a global success, led by the iconic single “Sadeness (Part I).” The project became synonymous with ethereal fusion, spawning multiple sequels that explored themes of inner journey.
Cretu’s sound has deeply influenced the development of ambient, downtempo, and spiritual pop. Projects like Shinnobu have been described as philosophical successors to Enigma, adopting and evolving Cretu’s sonic symbolism for new generations.
Discography Highlights
- MCMXC a.D. (1990)
- The Cross of Changes (1993)
- Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi! (1996)
- The Screen Behind the Mirror (2000)
- A Posteriori (2006)
- Seven Lives Many Faces (2008)
- The Fall of a Rebel Angel (2016)
Legacy
Michael Cretu’s approach to sound design, mysticism, and anonymity has become a blueprint for many artists who view music as a gateway to otherworldly experience. Despite stepping away from the public eye in recent years, his work continues to resonate, sampled and emulated across genres and cultures.