Tuesday, 23 August 2011 15:06
Domingo Brindis de Salas y Garrido, the black Paganini. Photo courtesy of cubahablar.blogspot.com.
One of the greatest violinists of all times, the prodigious Claudio José Domingo Brindis de Salas y Garrido, also known as the black Paganini and the "king of the octaves," was born in Havana, on the central street Águila, number 168, on 4 August, 1852.
Showing talent early on, he began composing at eight years old, and had his first concert three years later. At 17, he began studying at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris and from 1870-1875, he was awarded the school´s annual Honor Award.
His career musically, personally and socially was completely successful; European royal house doors opened enthusiastically to hear and delight in the performances of this young black violinist with his priceless Stradivarius. He had amazing capabilities, dominating the bow like no other, and his repertoire could not be more difficult or complex. Add that to his chivalry, elegance and meticulosity, his friendliness and kindness, and we have a better understanding of this one-of-a-kind violinist. But, it has also been said that Brindis was "somewhat odd and too affected by his work and behavior," and he generally spoke in French.
It´s not surprising then that in France he was named as the Legion of Honor Knight, and that in Germany he received the title of the Knight of Bridis and the Baron of Salas; the kings of Spain, Italy and Portugal also gave him high honors.
Brindis, or Paganini, in playing one of the smallest stringed instruments, had incomprehensible agility, his fingers flying over the strings, brimming over with technique, temperament and emotion, showing an unearthly mastery of music. That is what made his shows so magical and captivating.
This Havanian, with his art and name, overcame racial prejudices and discriminations, huge barriers for those with dark skin, in all friends of human endeavors.
He died poor and sick in 1911 in Buenos Aires, a sad end for whom considered Alejo Carpentier as "the most extraordinary black musician from the nineteenth century…a unique character, unprecedented in this continent´s musical history."
|
|
