Jimin Oh-havenith: Piano Revolution-chopin & Gottschalk

Having discovered Chopin for yourself - that sounds like nothing unusual. It is more unusual, however, to discover Louis-Moreau Gottschalk, he is unknown to most and has written a very special kind of music. Reading Chopins biography and Gottschalks diary, I was surprised at the actual connection between the two, which, if you only know their music, is hard to imagine. Her life stories are at the same time full of contrasts and parallels. Thats why I included these composers in one program. Chopin wrote revolutionary music that had its roots in Polish folk music. And that at a time when Europe was still looking for Beethoven. Gottschalk was also revolutionary, entering a world of music that was spurned, the music of slaves, shaped by Creole and African-Caribbean rhythms. Two brave people in very different ways, and both wrote Music for Pianists. The living conditions in Europe at Chopins time were hard, grim and dangerous. Political unrest, bitter poverty, poor hygiene and poor medical care shaped everyday life. In America, the bird of paradise Gottschalk traveled through areas marked by civil war and robbery - not as a gunslinger but as a musician. How were they able to reconcile everyday life and their genius? What force did they have in their short lifespan? They did not become old. Chopin left the world at age 39, Gottschalk at age 40, both abroad. Two very contrary composers who have left us this beautiful music. (Oh-Havenith)