Louis Moreau Gottschalk (May 8, 1829 - Dec. 18, 1869) was an American composer and pianist, born in New Orleans. He started piano at an early age, and was recognized as a prodigy. At thirteen, he traveled to Europe to further his studies, but was turned down from the Paris Conservatory due to his nationality. He eventually would gain access thanks to family friends. Gottschalk played across the US and in Central and South America, and was highly praised for this playing.

Battle Cry of Freedom was based on the American Civil War song by George Frederick Root (a friend of Gottschalk), in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers.  While having dinner in New York in 1863, Gottschalk was speaking about the piece when we went to the piano to play, and made it his own rendition. The theme is first introduced, very modestly. Then after that it gets progressively more involved with elaborate variations, and it gets more and more technically involved for the pianist.  It's a short, but grand patriotic piece!

Here's a recording of this for you to enjoy!

Philip Martin