The Water Sprite—Polka

Louis Gottschalk

1853

Printed page with ornate decorative border around English text.
Louis Gottschalk wrote “The Water Sprite—Polka de Salon” soon upon his return to the United States after spending most of his teenaged years in Europe, where he was sent by his father to study music at the Paris Conservatoire. He dedicated the composition to “Miss Mary J. Smith of Philadelphia,” who may have been a woman he was courting.

Credits

Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 6.

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Creator Bio

Louis Gottschalk

1829–1869

The pianist Louis Gottschalk was a musical magpie, collecting influences from around the world and stitching them together into singular compositions. Few other composers, before or since, have embraced influence with such zeal. Gottschalk borrowed eagerly from Caribbean, Latin American, and Creole traditions as he meandered through Cuba, the West Indies, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere, giving concerts and sampling local customs. Born in New Orleans, introduced early to the piano, Gottschalk was anointed by Frédéric Chopin, who recognized his nascent genius. Gottschalk achieved early success in Europe, and during his life, fame followed him in every direction.

Related Guide

Music and Opera in Jewish Culture, 1750–1880

One of the most striking changes in European Jewish culture toward the later eighteenth century was marked by the entry of Jews into art music, opera houses, and the stage.

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