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2 Part Series - Sept. 10 and Sept. 17

Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869)
Gottschalk was America’s first mega musical star. At age sixteen he gave a recital in Paris after which Chopin correctly prophesized that he would become the world’s greatest pianist. At the same age, his piece “Le Bananier’ was a smash hit admired by Bizet, Borodin, Offenbach and many others. After a return to America, Gottschalk concertized for over five years throughout the Caribbean and organized ‘Monster Concerts’ with up to 650 performers. Back in the USA during the Civil War, he travelled 95,000 miles and gave 1100 concerts in just over three years. At his last recital, Gottschalk collapsed after playing his work ‘Morte!’ and died in a Brazilian jungle a few months later.

Music historian Jeffrey Engel will chronicle Gottschalk’s life in two lectures. He will also play examples of Louis Moreau’s music which is tuneful, full of dance-like rhythms and infused with Creole, Cuban and Spanish influences. It is the perfect antidote to our current troublesome times.
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required for ZOOM link to virtual lecture.