Interview to José María Vitier

On occasion of the death of the historical and ethernal leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, we are in close contact with one of the greatest maestros of Cuban music

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28 de noviembre de 2016 - Radio Taino

Announcer: On occasion of the death of the historical and ethernal leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, we are in close contact with one of the greatest maestros of  Cuban music. We are talking about José María Vitier, whom we have listened to some of his musical themes during this special programming. Maestro, our warm regards to you from Radio Taino.

Naturally, you were, in countless times, fortunate to be closed to Fidel and, logically, you are one of those Cubans who admired so much his work. What can José María Vitier tell us about Fidel's passing away?

JMV: This is not only a national, but also an international commotion, because Fidel is a figure that goes absolutely beyond our frontiers, or rather he enhances them. He'd probably be a figure like any other in the HIstory of Cuba, or in the contemporary history of the 20th century, who has had so much leadership along the time, which was so intense on most of Mankind. So, he is a figure not only projected toward the Third World, but to the world in general; undoubtedly, the most influential Cuban man worldwide of all times. We are living a moment where all the Cuban society is shocked, but I also think that it is a moment where two main things should be imposed: on one hand, unity and, on the other, reflection. Fidel's death does not remotely mean the end of his ideas, but the emerging of these, as it has many times happened in history.

That is how I feel as Cuban and, also, an an artist.

Announcer: Maestro, your mother, the outstanding writer Fina García Marrúz, as well as your father Cintio Vitier, were closely related to the leader of the Revolution; so, I guess the news had deeply affected Mrs. Fina García Marrúz. Moreover, there is one of your song themes you have interpreted along with Miriam Ramos, entitled Se dice cubano, that says a lot about Fidel's figure…

JMV: Look, my parents' relationship with Fidel was not mostly based on a closely physical relation, as neither was mine or my brother's. Excuse me for talking in the name of my family, including my brother, who did not live to live this day; but I am sure I interpret his feeling… My parents' relationship with Fidel came up, besides the reasons anyone may have to be part of this relation, to inclusive enjoy it, I think is mainly based on the intellectual condition and Marti fervor. So, I think that Martí was the element who joined them…; that is, Fidel's interest for Martí led him to my parents, because my parents were and are an authority on this matter. I believe this was a key element. In the second place, I dare to say that the catholic, the Christian's status of my parents had also a positive effect  in meeting the expectations that Fidel might forsee in terms of relations with the Catholics, that were not given so effortlessly in history; though, however, I think my parents were a catalyst in this sense, which helped them to understand more each other, to be mutually interested. I believe they had a relation of mutual interest, linked to thought. My father, in particular, felt a true fascination toward Fidel's thought and the historical figure he was; a fascination that was not critical at all, but very enriching and intelligent. Being a child, I attended to this familiar ceremony and, of course, I also consider myself an inheritor of this feeling.

Announcer: Thank you so much for your statements. We have talked with maestro José María Vitier on the FM of Cuba: Radio Taíno, on occasion of this informational and special programming devoted to the Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. A hug for you and thanks a lot.

 

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