San Francisco County
Biographies
S.
ARILLAGA
S. ARILLAGA was born
at Tolusa, province
of Guipuzcoa, Spain, 1847. Before he was ten years of age he began the
study of solfeggio under a master who used the old
Spanish method and employed no instrumental accompaniment. He began the
study of piano music as recreation, under D. C. Aguayo,
organist of the parish church. He attended school in Spain and France until sixteen years of age, when he was sent to the
Royal Conservatory at Madrid, and became a pupil of Don. M. Mendizabal
in piano music, Don R. Hernando in harmony, and Dr. H. Eslava
in counterpoint. After a three years’ course he graduated with the highest
honors and obtained first prizes in public examinations, and was decorated with
the gold medal of the university, which was conferred upon him by the
Queen. In 1867 he went to Paris and studied in the conservatory.
Upon reaching his
majority, Professor Arillaga went to South American
and the Antilles, and from there came to this country, remaining at the
San Jose de Costa five years. On account of ill health he came to San Francisco in 1875, and since then has resided here engaged in
teaching music.
As a pianist his
playing is characterized by its elegance and graceful style. When Carlotta
Patti visited the pacific coast she engaged him for her concert
tour. Although his time is devoted chiefly to teaching, the professor has
done much in composition work, including many piano compositions and church
music.
Transcribed
by 11-17-06 Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, Pages 167-168, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2006 Marilyn R. Pankey.
California Biography Project
San Francisco County
California Statewide
Golden Nugget Library