An analysis of "Printemps d'amour" (op.40) and "L'Union" (op,48): two programmatic piano solos by Louis Moreau Gottschalk

Identifier

etd-01192014-020829

Author

Sam Vaden, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow

Degree

Master of Music (MM)

Department

Music

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Close analyses of two works by Gottschalk demonstrate, not just his consummate skill in evoking and sustaining extra-musical imagery, but also his firm control of harmony, motivic development, and form. In Printemps d'amour (1855), a mazurka inspired by Gottschalk's love for Ada McElhenney, a romance develops between two distinct theme-actors, both of whom grow ever more entwined. Comparison with Chopin's mazurka op. 50, no. 2, points out general similarities and profound differences. Analysis of L'Union (1862) follows, presenting a pasticcio rife with narrative and irony. The former manifests as a battaglia; the latter, as denial of listeners' expectations. Comparison with models for "The Star Spangled Banner," "Hail, Columbia," and "Yankee Doodle" shows why listeners will recognize each air, and how Gottschalk creates an artistic paraphrase.

Date

2014

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Recommended Citation

Vaden, Sam, "An analysis of "Printemps d'amour" (op.40) and "L'Union" (op,48): two programmatic piano solos by Louis Moreau Gottschalk" (2014). LSU Master's Theses. 3146.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/3146

Committee Chair

Smyth, David

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3146