Louis Moreau Gottschalk

[Pvt Schnapps]

Saturday, May 8th, will mark the 175th birthday of the American composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk.

Born of comfortably well-off creole stock in New Orleans, Gottschalk became something of a prodigy, studying and performing in Europe, and going on to become a major celebrity throughout the western hemisphere. Although born a southerner, he was an ardent supporter of the north, and personally performed his stirring work "The Union" for President and Mrs. Lincoln.

For more information, you might want to start at this site:

http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/gottschalk.html

[markj]

Re: Louis Moreau Gottschalk

Yep, L. M. Gottschalk was "the hardest working man in (1860's) show business"--he frequently toured the "provinces." Gottschalk definitely passed through here (Lafayette, Indiana, population 14,000) at least once (in February 1863). His featured vocalist was Adelina Patti, who was a noted operatic star in her own right.

Incidentally, about the same time, an obscure actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth was down the road, in Indianapolis, playing an extended engagement at the Metropolitan Opera Theater. He favored crowds with his portrayal of "Richard III" as well as did turns in the melodrama "The Marble Heart."

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Louis Moreau Gottschalk

an obscure actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth was down the road, in Indianapolis, playing an extended engagement at the Metropolitan Opera Theater. He favored crowds with his portrayal of "Richard III" as well as did turns in the melodrama "The Marble Heart."

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

I dont think I would classify The Booth family as being obscure at that time. Junius Brutus Booth was considered the leading Shakspearean actor at the time, and his sons Edwin, and John Wilkes were both considered top wrung actors and were very famous. Junius Jr, Joseph and Asia tryed there hand at the stage as well, but did not have the fame of John Wilkes and Edwin.