Fernando Aritzi Soto

Pianist and pedagogue. He trained notable musicians, among whom Nicolás Ruiz Espadero, Angelina Sicouret, and others stand out.

Born in La Habana in 1828, Fernando Arizti began his musical studies at the age of seven and had among his teachers the notable Juan Federico Edelmann.

In 1842, Arizti traveled to París to study piano with Friedrich Kalkbrenner and later went to Spain, where he gave recitals in Madrid and in Vizcaya accompanying violinist Pablo Desvernine.

In 1848 he returned to Cuba and from that moment on he dedicated himself to teaching. However, chronicles from the era report that he was a good pianist, characterized by his solid technical training and a notable good taste in each of his performances.

The notable Cuban patriot and intellectual, Manuel Sanguily (1848-1925), of whom historian Salvador Bueno said: "fighter in war and in peace," wrote a profile of Fernando Arizti's personality in the following terms: "Of kind character, consistent and loyal, (Arizti) would have been incapable of hiding in any case his feelings, tastes, and interests, even if his confession would have compromised the just reputation he enjoyed. So, at every turn he said with serenity and frankness that the old classical repertoire did not satisfy him, while good modern music, for the freshness of its inspiration, for its character and structure, attracted him sweetly. And if it is true that on one hand he maintained great discussions with the supporters of classicism, in the clear, measured, and courteous tone of his conversation, on the other hand, consistent with his duty, he taught his daughter Cecilia Beethoven's Trio in C minor, a grandiose and infinitely severe work, with the enthusiasm and zeal of the master, and with the affectionate dedication of the father. A Trio that accompanied the young pianist were the famous violinist Rafael Díaz Albertini and the author of these lines […]"

And among the most outstanding students of Fernando Arizti, one must mention, of course, his daughter Cecilia, Nicolás Ruiz Espadero, and Angelina Sicouret.

Fernando Arizti died in La Habana at the age of 60, in 1888.

Works
Piano
Fantasy.
Violin and Piano
Melody