Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-01-17
Sad History of a New Orleans
Pianist.

Louis Moreau GottSchalk has been
dead but a few years, but New Orleans
has been trying so hard to forget her
gifted son that the note book of that
genius comes now almos, as a revela-
ton. A memento it is doubtless to
many people, but the public in general
will through its pages learn for the
greater part for the first time of the
celebrated pianist and his peculiar Gu
reer.
Gottschalk was born in New Orleans
in 1929, and thirteen years later he
was to be found in Paris studying
music. At the age of sixteen he per-
formed publicly in that city, and
Chopin encouraged him with this re-
mark: Your hand, my child. / pre-.
diet that you will be the king Of plan
lists"
This prediction, il one may judge
hythe criticisms of bis day. was full
filed. Berlioz credited lin with
possessing "all the different elements
of the sovereign power of the plan
ist," and adds: He has perfect
grace of manner Of expressing sweet
melodies and Of scattering the light
passages from the top Of tie key
board" Escudier speaks of him as a
pianist who has the prime merit of
copying no other composer, while
Theophile Gautier admires him for
the possession of that rare faculty, a
distinct individuality, which be
ascribes to the course Of study pur-
sued by the American. Such was the
opinion Of the critics when Colts
chalk was but twenty two years Of
age.
His success in Europe, and the APP
preciation in which be was held, was
Lot confined to the critics, strictly
speaking. Kings and Queens ex-
tended the hand, aud ever the chief
of the Madrid bull fighters, Don Jose
Redendo, complimented him, sending
him a letter. accompanied by a mag
nifcent sword.
In 1853 Gottschalk returned to his
native land, and here began his Notes
of a Pianist" These notes, the greater
part on detached sheets of paper, were
found mixed IL the greatest confusion
in the trunk of the musician and after
great trouble collected and edited for
the public by his sister, Clara Colts
chalk. This volume, just now issued
by Lippincott, will be read with pleas
ure by all interested in music. The
style is familiar and telling. His re.
ception in this country, especially in
( the West, was quite the reverse Of hil
expectations. The people did moi
understand music and he soon founC
that to interest them be must contriy,
to select all the grand marches anC
concert pieces possible, and to pounC
the piano with all his might and main
Above all, he seemed to be person
ally avoided. That exquisite hatter.
20 which he had become accustomed
while in Europe, that praise snC
friendship extended him by the nobl
and the wealthy, was entirely wanting
Somewhere in Nevada he Tell i'll, ant
defines his feelings in these terms:
II defy your finding in the whole 0
Europe a village where an artist o
reputation has been as isolated as
have been here. If, in place Of play
ing the piano, Of having composed tw
or three hundred pieces, Of hayip
given seven or eight thousau
concerts, of having given to the poo
one hundred or ore hundred and fit
thousand dollars, of having bee
knighted twice, / had sold success
/, fully for ten years quarters Of salte
hog, my poor, isolate
chamber would have been invaded
adorers and admirers"
> Gottschalk died in Rio, but to th
!. day nothing is known as to the pa.
, ticulars Of his death. His book up
! this point is all suficing in detail
: and hardly a page that does not col
> tain something deserving Quotatio
= 1t is the history Of a New Orleans mt
who found fame abroad, but no Apr
citation at home. There have be-
! several such, and there arc likely
be many more.