He was particularly noted for his technically masterful and vivid interpretations of works by lesser-known composers and his recordings of the piano music of John Field are highly regarded.
His great-grandfather, Jacopo Ferretti, wrote the libretto for Rossini’s la Cenerentola and collaborated as librettist with other composers such as his close friend Gaetano Donizetti, Giovanni Pacini and Saverio Mercadante.
Spada underwent composition courses with Vincenzo di Donato, Carlo Pinelli and Andrea Mascagni, completing his studies at the Milan Conservatory with Giorgio Federico Ghedini.
Spada performed widely in many countries including Japan, Germany, North and South America, Russia, England and toured with the Hallé Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli.
Spada performed under various eminent conductors including Charles Bruch, Dean Dixon, Antal Dorati, Arthur Fiedler, Anatole Fistoulari, Jascha Horenstein, Peter Maag, John Pritchard, Thomas Sanderling, Ferruccio Scaglia, Lovro Von Matacic, Francesco d'Avalos and many others.