The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-12
A CoLoRED MUSICAL GENIUS.

A COLORED MUSICAL GENIUS.
Paris journal recently contained the fol
lowing interesting memoir, which we 61d
translated for the Li6erator:
CLAUDE BRISDIs DE SALAs.-The family of
this person consisted of his parents and several
brothers, all of pure black African origin. but
living IN state of respectable industry 10
which this race may attain In the year 1900.
Claude Brindis was born in Havana, and ma.
ture, already preparing for him a station at.
tanned only with great difficulty by persons of
his class, permitted, few days after his birth.
that his mother should have the honor to be
chosen nurse to the most excellent Count, Don
Jose Maria Chacon, head of one of the most il
lustrious families of Cuba On account of her
good conduct, she had previously been employ.
ed as wet nurse to brother of the frst-boru
OF said house of Chacou. This double foster
orothershlp, the great retirement in which the
mobiles OF Havana were at that time educated,
and the good character of the son of the nurse,
attracted the attention of his excellent foster
brother; and from that moment, he and his
mother became the recipients of the greatest
Kindness and favors, corresponding with the
patriarchal character of the Havanese.
Inc little negro was trihe more than
fourteen years OF age, when, in view of the great
taste he manifested for music, they placed him
as pupil in the Academy of the distinguished
Professor, Ignatius Calvo, well known in Cuba
Tor his musical talents, as also for his worthy
emulation of the not less celebrated Thomas
Aiarcon. AS the pupil advanced in his studies,
ne distinguished himself as a singer, and the ex-
ceience OF hls voice was such, that he was in
uennaha al all great festivals, aud was asked,
as great favor, that his voice might be hoard
treble uyos 4
the island was governed by his Excelleucy ,ba
Marquis of Somervelos, who had to assist at a
least In the convent of Our Lady de Mercedes.
and where, delighted to hear so fine a voice
ne TOOK pains to inform himself about the CIR,
cumstances OF the singer, when he desired TO
see him.
Now begins the true epoch of the musical
triumphs OF our hero. The community or the
largest part of it, endeavored to get an intro
AUCTION 70 the young singer The Governor
snowered eulogiums and favors on him, advised
HIM to continue his studies with diligence and
constancy, gave him gold coin valued a.
seventeen dollars, and offered him his pro,ec.
ton Friendly and enthusiastic Gifts frnm
others followed on that to Brindis, memorable
aay, and he returned home with sum amount
ing TO nearly hundred dollars s. the total
amount OF the donations made by his auditors
Nature did not confine Brindis to two talents.
TWO faculties; he was familiar with dancing
ana Tor long time director in and teacher of
inns art to the most distinguished youths, inelu-
ding the families Of the Governors. He even
echPsed professors of greater reputation.
Hardly was Rrindis out of his boyhood, when
ne appeared as leader of large and select
orchestra His first step then was to offer his
services to his distinguished protectors who
gave nm the appointment of musical director
at The grand entertainments of his Excellency,
which post he filled till the termination of The
Counts administration
In 1887 he was elected musical conductor al
great banquet given by the garrison in honor
of his Excellency Michael Taeon. Governor OF
the island There he demonstrated the exten,
OF his knowledge of his art by playing his first
composition, which was so well received by all
present, as well as by Tacon, that the latter Sc
lected him to direct the band on the occasion OF
the dedication OF the nag of the Havana regi-
ment; and at thar of the inauguration of the
,cTpf Err. he paid him thel a.p. cqrnpli-
James complimented Gen. Bertrand with ball,
which was attended by great number Of for
eigners, noblemen, suthorities-in word, BY
the elite of Havana society-Brindis, as usual,
attracted universal attention and Gen. Ulloa.
OF the marines, gave him charge of the orches-
tras during the royal ieasts celebrated at he
malarity of Queen Isabella III. In short the
hne character, engaging manner, and elrgant
air, united with the talents of this negro, made
him an indispensable auxiliary at every enter
tainment given by the nobility and gentry. He
even experienced the happiness of being crown
cd at ball by several ladies to whom he had
inscribed his exquisite compositions.
The corporation of Havana submitted him
to rigorous examination, from which be came
forth Maestro Composer and Musician" His
compositions were popular in Havana, and for
eign papors even noticed them favorably.
Brindis was, besides, director of the orches-
tras of various philharmonic and dramatic so
cieties, and figured at the princiapl concerts
obtaining from the first honorable menton-as
he also did from one of the greatest Professors
of the island, Mr.. Rofdn, for having distin-
guished himself at musical concert composed
of nine orchestras.
We will not conclude this sketch without
saying that Brindis served his Queen as sub
lieutenant in the now extinguished) colored
regiment of Havana, and that he dedicated TO
her richly bound collection of his compost
tons.
His absence of eight years from the island
did not obliterate from the minds of his friends
the remembrance of his good qualities and
talents
(Signed) SABINE LAsADA.