Louis Moreau Gottschalk

[Old Cremona]

Just finished reading Bamboula! The Life and Times of Louis Moreau Gottschalk by S. Frederick Starr. According to the author, Gottschalk toured more extensively that any other artist during the Civil War. Born in New Orleans, he favored the Union. Although perhaps a bit 'highbrow' for the average soldier, I think it's still worthwhile for us to listen to this first great American virtuoso pianist. It fun to listen to different artists interpret his music and try and decide who's the closest to the original.

Right now I'm digging Cecile Licad, a Phillipino pianist. Her playing is really passionate.

[markj]

Re: Louis Moreau Gottschalk

Greetings,

Yep, Gottschalk was the kind of guy who literally "played in Peoria." Local newspapers here in Lafayette IN report that he made at least two passes through town during the war. The one event I immediately remember was in early 1863 when he came along with one of the noted operatic Patti sisters (either Adelina or Carlotta --can't remember which right now) in tow as vocal accompaniment.

Of further interest is that Lafayette IN at this time had a population of only 13,000 and was decidedly "hicksville" to the urbane Gottschalk and Patti. He seems to have been laid-back about being in the provinces but it appears Mme. Patti was less sanguine and acted like a typical "diva." The 1863 concert was certainly the hit of the social season among the unwashed masses here in Lafayette.

Incidentally, a certain contemporary of Gottschalk by the name of John Wilkes Booth did a two-week stint at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Theater about the same time performing Shakespeare and various melodramatic potboilers.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger