Arminda Schutte
Encyclopedia
Arminda Schutte was a Cuban classical pianist and pedagogue.
City, Cuba
, to a well-educated high middle-class family. Her father, Julio Schutte, was of French origin and insisted that when at home the family would speak only French; this would prove to be invaluable later. Her Cuban mother, Ondina Visiedo, had a teaching (‘Magisterio’) degree. Schutte’s mother was strongly determined to see her three children excel in life. Schutte’s two brothers grew to become physicians prominent both in Cuba and in Pan-American medical societies. When the young Arminda displayed a talent for piano, her parents made certain she would receive the best instruction. Her early piano teachers included Flora Mora, a pupil of Enrique Granados
. Schutte studied at the Municipal Conservatory of Havana and debuted in 1928, performing the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 with the Symphonic Orchestra
of Havana
directed by Gonzalo Roig
.
by the Department of Culture of the municipality of Havana. Though obviously a successful performer, a chance encounter at about this time with the great Russian cellist Gregor Piatigorsky
resulted in a challenge for her to pursue a higher degree of technical mastery with the suggestion that she study in New York City with the incomparable Josef Lhévinne
. In 1937 she left Cuba for New York City where she would spend the better part of four years studying with Mr. Lhévinne and, on occasions, with Madame Rosina Lhévinne
as well. Lessons were conducted in French, as they knew no Spanish and at the time she knew little English. Shortly after arriving in New York, she debuted on October 28, inaugurating the concert season of the Pan-American Center Society. Afterwards she received an invitation from Columbia University
to present a concert in their Institute of Spanish Studies. She then performed in General Electric’s radio show broadcast (WGY) from Schenectady, New York, where she performed the Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 16, by Sergei Bortkiewicz
, her favorite concerto. Upon her return to Cuba in 1941, she founded in the Vedado district of Havana the Instituto de Arte Musical, Arminda Schutte, which received national academic accreditation by the Ministry of Education for the conferral of degrees, certificates and diplomas. She continued performing and teaching, eventually serving as Inspector of Music for the Ministry of Education. Given the arrival of Communism
in the island, she left Cuba in 1963 with her widowed mother via Mexico with the goal of seeking political asylum in the United States. She left behind all but a few scores that she brought with her.
, Schutte and her mother settled in Miami, Florida, near her younger brother, José Antonio and his family. (Her older brother, Julio, had passed away in 1961.) This was a difficult family period, with her younger brother dying in 1965 and her mother dying in 1966. She first stayed with family, but subsequently Schutte moved out on her own, purchased a small home, studied English, and began teaching private lessons, depending initially on her reputation within the large Cuban community. In time she was appointed as adjunct faculty to the University of Miami
(Coral Gables), Florida International University
and Miami-Dade Community College. In the span of 16 months, from November 1969 to March 1971, she presented three acclaimed solo recitals at the University of Miami, including an all-Schumann
recital (her avowed favorite composer). In 1980, at the age of 71, she again performed the demanding Bortkiewicz Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat major in a two-piano recital with Victor de Diego at Florida International University. She died on May 5, 1995, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 85. She was one of the most notable pianists of Cuba.
in scope, including all the major exponents of the Baroque
(especially J.S. Bach), Classical
and Romantic
periods. (Interestingly, she never performed the Piano Concerto of her favorite composer, Robert Schumann.) Of the 20th century she accepted mostly only Debussy, Ravel, Granados
and other Latin composers, as well as Rachmaninoff and some Scriabin, but eschewed both the dodecaphony of the Second Viennese School
and the secondal harmony of the mature-styled Bartók. One of her signature encores was the delightfully picturesque “The Musical Box” by Immanuel Liebich.
(still used at The Juilliard School and at the Curtis Institute) for application in sight-singing and transposition at sight. The principles of the Russian school of technique as received from the Lhévinnes was taught, from the most fundamental posture, shape and movements of the hands, fingers and wrist, to the most advanced aspects using a systematic review of mechanical exercises (Schmitt, Isidor Philipp
, Theodor Kullak
, Hermann Berens
, Ignaz Moscheles
), and études (Carl Czerny
, Cramer, Muzio Clementi
, Chopin and others). Repertoire and principles of interpretation were built about the foursome of J.S. Bach, Classical sonatas, Romantic literature, and 20th century works. Her knowledge of the literature was thorough and she was known to call out corrected notes with ease from across the studio or from an adjoining room inside her home. Some of her US students achieved such recognition as state-wide awards for composition, performances on local television and radio, acceptances to The Juilliard School and the graduate division of the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati
and subsequent faculty positions in colleges, universities and the New World School of the Arts
.
Early Life and Training
Schutte was born in the farm of La Merced located near MatanzasMatanzas
Matanzas is the capital of the Cuban province of Matanzas. It is famed for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.It is located on the northern shore of the island of Cuba, on the Bay of Matanzas , east of the capital Havana and west of the resort town of Varadero.Matanzas is called the...
City, Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, to a well-educated high middle-class family. Her father, Julio Schutte, was of French origin and insisted that when at home the family would speak only French; this would prove to be invaluable later. Her Cuban mother, Ondina Visiedo, had a teaching (‘Magisterio’) degree. Schutte’s mother was strongly determined to see her three children excel in life. Schutte’s two brothers grew to become physicians prominent both in Cuba and in Pan-American medical societies. When the young Arminda displayed a talent for piano, her parents made certain she would receive the best instruction. Her early piano teachers included Flora Mora, a pupil of Enrique Granados
Enrique Granados
Enrique Granados y Campiña was a Spanish pianist and composer of classical music. His music is in a uniquely Spanish style and, as such, representative of musical nationalism...
. Schutte studied at the Municipal Conservatory of Havana and debuted in 1928, performing the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 with the Symphonic Orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
of Havana
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
directed by Gonzalo Roig
Gonzalo Roig
Gonzalo Roig was a Cuban musician, composer, musical director and founder of several orchestras. He was a pioneer of the symphonic movement in Cuba....
.
Professional life in Cuba and Emigration
The following six years included frequent performances as soloist with the Symphonic Orchestra, and as recitalist at venues such as the National Academy of Arts and Letters, Liceo and Ateneo de Matanzas, the Medical Federation of Cuba, and other prestigious cultural societies throughout the island. In 1936 she performed the first ever open-air concert in Cuba, having been presented as soloist with the Symphonic Orchestra in the National AmphitheatreAmphitheatre
An amphitheatre is an open-air venue used for entertainment and performances.There are two similar, but distinct, types of structure for which the word "amphitheatre" is used: Ancient Roman amphitheatres were large central performance spaces surrounded by ascending seating, and were commonly used...
by the Department of Culture of the municipality of Havana. Though obviously a successful performer, a chance encounter at about this time with the great Russian cellist Gregor Piatigorsky
Gregor Piatigorsky
Gregor Piatigorsky was a Russian-born American cellist.-Early life:...
resulted in a challenge for her to pursue a higher degree of technical mastery with the suggestion that she study in New York City with the incomparable Josef Lhévinne
Josef Lhévinne
Josef Lhévinne was a Russian pianist and piano teacher.Joseph Arkadievich Levin was born into a family of musicians in Oryol and studied at the Imperial Conservatory in Moscow under Vasily Safonov...
. In 1937 she left Cuba for New York City where she would spend the better part of four years studying with Mr. Lhévinne and, on occasions, with Madame Rosina Lhévinne
Rosina Lhévinne
Rosina Bessie Lhévinne was a Russian American pianist and famed pedagogue....
as well. Lessons were conducted in French, as they knew no Spanish and at the time she knew little English. Shortly after arriving in New York, she debuted on October 28, inaugurating the concert season of the Pan-American Center Society. Afterwards she received an invitation from Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
to present a concert in their Institute of Spanish Studies. She then performed in General Electric’s radio show broadcast (WGY) from Schenectady, New York, where she performed the Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 16, by Sergei Bortkiewicz
Sergei Bortkiewicz
Sergei Bortkiewicz was a Ukrainian-born Russian Romantic composer and pianist.-Early life:Sergei Eduardovich Bortkiewicz was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine on 28 February 1877 in Polish noble family and spent most of his childhood on the family estate of Artëmovka, near Kharkiv...
, her favorite concerto. Upon her return to Cuba in 1941, she founded in the Vedado district of Havana the Instituto de Arte Musical, Arminda Schutte, which received national academic accreditation by the Ministry of Education for the conferral of degrees, certificates and diplomas. She continued performing and teaching, eventually serving as Inspector of Music for the Ministry of Education. Given the arrival of Communism
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
in the island, she left Cuba in 1963 with her widowed mother via Mexico with the goal of seeking political asylum in the United States. She left behind all but a few scores that she brought with her.
Life in the USA and Demise
After a short stay in Mexico CityMexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, Schutte and her mother settled in Miami, Florida, near her younger brother, José Antonio and his family. (Her older brother, Julio, had passed away in 1961.) This was a difficult family period, with her younger brother dying in 1965 and her mother dying in 1966. She first stayed with family, but subsequently Schutte moved out on her own, purchased a small home, studied English, and began teaching private lessons, depending initially on her reputation within the large Cuban community. In time she was appointed as adjunct faculty to the University of Miami
University of Miami
The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
(Coral Gables), Florida International University
Florida International University
Florida International University is an American public research university in metropolitan Miami, Florida, in the United States, with its main campus in University Park...
and Miami-Dade Community College. In the span of 16 months, from November 1969 to March 1971, she presented three acclaimed solo recitals at the University of Miami, including an all-Schumann
Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann, sometimes known as Robert Alexander Schumann, was a German composer, aesthete and influential music critic. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most representative composers of the Romantic era....
recital (her avowed favorite composer). In 1980, at the age of 71, she again performed the demanding Bortkiewicz Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat major in a two-piano recital with Victor de Diego at Florida International University. She died on May 5, 1995, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 85. She was one of the most notable pianists of Cuba.
Artistry and Repertoire
Schutte’s art was characterized by a transcendental pianistic technique that was commanding, efficient, without hint of affectation or flamboyance, and wedded to a high talent of interpretation as well as to a broad, solid and highly refined cultural education. Her repertoire was decidedly Common practice periodCommon practice period
The common practice period, in the history of Western art music , spanning the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, lasted from c. 1600 to c. 1900.-General characteristics:...
in scope, including all the major exponents of the Baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
(especially J.S. Bach), Classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
and Romantic
Romantic music
Romantic music or music in the Romantic Period is a musicological and artistic term referring to a particular period, theory, compositional practice, and canon in Western music history, from 1810 to 1900....
periods. (Interestingly, she never performed the Piano Concerto of her favorite composer, Robert Schumann.) Of the 20th century she accepted mostly only Debussy, Ravel, Granados
Granados
Places called Granados:*Granados, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala*Granados, Sonora, MexicoPeople named Granados:* Enrique Granados , Spanish composer* Federico Tinoco Granados , president of Costa Rica...
and other Latin composers, as well as Rachmaninoff and some Scriabin, but eschewed both the dodecaphony of the Second Viennese School
Second Viennese School
The Second Viennese School is the group of composers that comprised Arnold Schoenberg and his pupils and close associates in early 20th century Vienna, where he lived and taught, sporadically, between 1903 and 1925...
and the secondal harmony of the mature-styled Bartók. One of her signature encores was the delightfully picturesque “The Musical Box” by Immanuel Liebich.
Pedagogy
Schutte administered a thorough theoretical grounding to her pupils and used Théorie de la Musique by A. Danhauser as a framework, supplemented by other intervallic, scalar and harmonic studies. Pupils were also trained in the European tradition of fixed-do SolfègeSolfege
In music, solfège is a pedagogical solmization technique for the teaching of sight-singing in which each note of the score is sung to a special syllable, called a solfège syllable...
(still used at The Juilliard School and at the Curtis Institute) for application in sight-singing and transposition at sight. The principles of the Russian school of technique as received from the Lhévinnes was taught, from the most fundamental posture, shape and movements of the hands, fingers and wrist, to the most advanced aspects using a systematic review of mechanical exercises (Schmitt, Isidor Philipp
Isidor Philipp
Isidor Philipp was a French pianist, composer, and distinguished pedagogue of Hungarian descent. He was born in Budapest and died in Paris.-Biography:...
, Theodor Kullak
Theodor Kullak
Theodor Kullak was a German pianist, composer, and teacher.-Background:Kullak was born in Krotoschin in the Grand Duchy of Posen, in Wielkopolska - western part of Poland taken during the second partition of Poland by Kingdom of Prussia. He began his piano studies as a pupil of Albrecht Agthe in...
, Hermann Berens
Hermann Berens
Hermann Berens was a German Romantic composer famous mainly for his piano music, some of which is included in the Royal Conservatory of Music's Syllabus....
, Ignaz Moscheles
Ignaz Moscheles
Ignaz Moscheles was a Bohemian composer and piano virtuoso, whose career after his early years was based initially in London, and later at Leipzig, where he succeeded his friend and sometime pupil Felix Mendelssohn as head of the Conservatoire.-Sources:Much of what we know about Moscheles's life...
), and études (Carl Czerny
Carl Czerny
Carl Czerny was an Austrian pianist, composer and teacher. He is best remembered today for his books of études for the piano. Czerny's music was profoundly influenced by his teachers, Muzio Clementi, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Antonio Salieri and Ludwig van Beethoven.-Early life:Carl Czerny was born...
, Cramer, Muzio Clementi
Muzio Clementi
Muzio Clementi was a celebrated composer, pianist, pedagogue, conductor, music publisher, editor, and piano manufacturer. Born in Italy, he spent most of his life in England. He is best known for his piano sonatas, and his collection of piano studies, Gradus ad Parnassum...
, Chopin and others). Repertoire and principles of interpretation were built about the foursome of J.S. Bach, Classical sonatas, Romantic literature, and 20th century works. Her knowledge of the literature was thorough and she was known to call out corrected notes with ease from across the studio or from an adjoining room inside her home. Some of her US students achieved such recognition as state-wide awards for composition, performances on local television and radio, acceptances to The Juilliard School and the graduate division of the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
and subsequent faculty positions in colleges, universities and the New World School of the Arts
New World School of the Arts
New World School of the Arts is a public magnet high school and college in Downtown Miami, Florida with dual-enrollment programs in visual arts, dance, theatre, musical theatre, instrumental music, and vocal music. Both the college and the high school are accredited by the Southern Association of...
.