Composer

:

Louis Moreau Gottschalk

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Battle Music / Battle Piece

Compose Date

:

1863 - 1864

Publication Date

:

1865

Average_duration

:

5:57

"Battle Cry of Freedom, Op. 55, RO 62" is a patriotic composition by American composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk. It was composed in 1862 during the American Civil War and premiered the same year in Boston. The piece is divided into three movements and is characterized by its use of popular American melodies and rhythms. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a fanfare-like introduction before launching into a lively rendition of the popular song "The Battle Cry of Freedom." This melody is then developed and transformed throughout the movement, with Gottschalk incorporating other popular tunes such as "Yankee Doodle" and "Hail Columbia." The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the "Battle Cry of Freedom" theme. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a more reflective and somber section. It begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. This melody is based on the traditional folk song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a rousing and energetic section that brings the piece to a thrilling conclusion. It begins with a fast-paced introduction before launching into a lively rendition of the popular song "Dixie." This melody is then developed and transformed throughout the movement, with Gottschalk incorporating other popular tunes such as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Yankee Doodle." The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the "Battle Cry of Freedom" theme. Overall, "Battle Cry of Freedom, Op. 55, RO 62" is a stirring and patriotic composition that captures the spirit of the American Civil War. Its use of popular American melodies and rhythms makes it accessible and appealing to a wide audience, while its skillful composition and orchestration demonstrate Gottschalk's mastery of his craft.

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