# Michael Cretu > Romanian–German musician, singer, songwriter, and producer **Wikidata**: [Q77006](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q77006) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cretu) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-cretu ## Summary Michael Cretu is a Romanian–German musician, composer, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for founding and producing the globally successful musical projects Enigma and Moti Special. His work has significantly shaped the new age and electronic music genres, particularly through the groundbreaking success of Enigma's debut album, *MCMXC a.D.*, which sold over 27 million copies worldwide. ## Biography - **Born**: May 18, 1957 - **Nationality**: Romanian–German - **Education**: Studied at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts - **Known for**: Founding and producing the musical projects Enigma and Moti Special; pioneering ambient and new age electronic music - **Employer(s)**: Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (alumnus) - **Field(s)**: Music, electronic composition, record production ## Contributions Michael Cretu is most notably recognized for the following contributions: - **Moti Special**: Founded and fronted the German new wave band Moti Special in the 1980s, which gained moderate success in Europe. - **Enigma**: Established the ambient music project Enigma in 1990, which became a global phenomenon with its debut album *MCMXC a.D.* selling over 27 million copies. - **Trance Atlantic Air Waves**: Created this musical project, further expanding his influence in the electronic and ambient genres. - **Genre Innovation**: Pioneered the fusion of electronic music, ambient, new age, and Gregorian chant elements, influencing a generation of ambient and chill-out music. - **Production and Songwriting**: Produced and composed music that defined the sound of 1990s ambient and electronic music, blending instrumental, vocal, and world music elements. ## FAQs ### What is Michael Cretu known for? Michael Cretu is best known for founding the musical projects Enigma and Moti Special, particularly achieving global fame with Enigma's debut album *MCMXC a.D.*, which sold over 27 million copies. ### What musical projects has Michael Cretu worked on? Cretu founded and produced the projects Moti Special, Enigma, and Trance Atlantic Air Waves, all of which contributed to shaping the ambient, new age, and electronic music scenes. ### What genres of music is Michael Cretu associated with? Cretu's work spans ambient music, new age music, electronic music, instrumental music, and chill-out music, often blending these genres with elements of Gregorian chant and world music. ### Where did Michael Cretu study music? He studied at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, a prestigious German institution for musical education. ### What impact has Michael Cretu had on music? Cretu's innovative fusion of electronic and ambient music with spiritual and meditative elements helped define the sound of modern new age and chill-out genres, influencing global music production and culture. ### What are some of Michael Cretu's aliases or stage names? Cretu has used aliases such as "Curly M.C." and "M. C. Curly" in his musical career. ## Why They Matter Michael Cretu's work has had a transformative impact on the global music industry, particularly in the ambient and new age genres. His creation of Enigma redefined electronic music by introducing a unique blend of Gregorian chants, world music, and synthesized soundscapes. This innovation not only led to massive commercial success but also inspired countless artists to explore the boundaries of electronic and meditative music. His influence extends beyond sales figures—he helped establish a new paradigm for how ambient music could be both commercially viable and artistically profound. ## Notable For - Founding the globally successful musical project Enigma - Creating Moti Special, a pioneering German new wave band - Producing *MCMXC a.D.*, one of the best-selling albums of all time with over 27 million copies sold - Pioneering the fusion of ambient, new age, and electronic music - Incorporating Gregorian chants and world music into contemporary electronic production - Being a graduate of the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts - Establishing Trance Atlantic Air Waves, an ambient and electronic music project ## Body ### Early Life and Education Michael Cretu was born on May 18, 1957. He pursued formal musical training at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, a leading German institution for music education. His academic and artistic foundation there laid the groundwork for his later achievements in music production and composition. ### Musical Career and Projects #### Moti Special Cretu founded the German new wave band Moti Special in the 1980s. The band achieved moderate success in Europe and marked Cretu's early foray into the music industry as a performer and composer. The project blended new wave and synth-pop elements, establishing Cretu's name in the European music scene. #### Enigma In 1990, Cretu launched Enigma, a groundbreaking ambient and new age music project. Enigma's debut album, *MCMXC a.D.*, released the same year, became a global sensation, selling over 27 million copies. The album fused Gregorian chants, world music, and electronic soundscapes, creating a unique and meditative listening experience that redefined ambient music. #### Trance Atlantic Air Waves Cretu also created the musical project Trance Atlantic Air Waves, which explored ambient and chill-out music genres. This project further demonstrated his versatility and innovation in electronic composition. ### Musical Style and Influence Cretu's music is characterized by its ambient, instrumental, and new age qualities. He is known for blending spiritual and electronic elements, often incorporating Gregorian chants and world music into his compositions. His work has influenced the broader electronic and ambient genres, inspiring artists and producers to experiment with cross-cultural and meditative soundscapes. ### Legacy and Recognition Cretu's contributions have left a lasting mark on the global music industry. His projects, particularly Enigma, are considered landmarks in ambient and new age music. The commercial and artistic success of *MCMXC a.D.* not only established his reputation but also set new standards for how ambient music could be both commercially successful and artistically significant. ### Personal and Professional Identity Cretu is identified as a Romanian–German composer, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His work spans multiple musical genres, including ambient music, new age music, electronic music, and chill-out music. He has been affiliated with major musical projects and has significantly shaped the international perception of German electronic music. Cretu’s aliases include "Curly M.C." and "M. C. Curly," under which he has released various works. His professional career is also marked by his membership in Moti Special and his leadership in Enigma, both of which are considered pioneering in their respective genres. ### Cultural and Artistic Impact Cretu's music has transcended traditional genre boundaries, influencing not only the sound of ambient and new age music but also shaping the cultural landscape of the 1990s. His work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and producers, particularly in the electronic and meditative music spaces. ### Discography and Commercial Success Cretu's discography includes iconic works such as *MCMXC a.D.*, which remains one of the best-selling albums globally. His albums and compositions are recognized for their innovative soundscapes and global appeal, contributing to his legacy as a transformative figure in music. ### Affiliations and Institutional Connections Cretu is affiliated with the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, where he received his musical education. His professional career includes founding and leading major musical projects such as Enigma and Moti Special, both of which have had a significant cultural and commercial impact. This comprehensive entry reflects Michael Cretu’s multifaceted contributions to music, highlighting his role as a composer, producer, and innovator in the ambient and electronic music genres. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Integrated Authority File 3. datos.bne.es 4. International Standard Name Identifier 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. MusicBrainz 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Czech National Authority Database 9. CONOR.SI 10. ISWC Network 11. Genius API 12. Quora 13. The Movie Database