Gifted pianist and composer (1829–1869) who was one of the first figures in American music to attain an international reputation. His colorful keyboard works, often inspired by the Creole music he heard in his Louisiana childhood, pioneered the use of ethnic source materials in American ‘classical’ music. Scarce original 2.25 x 3.5 carte-de-visite photo by J. Gurney & Son of New York, signed on the reverse in black ink, “With kind regards, L. M. Gottschalk.” Trimmed bottom edge, pencil notation along left edge of reverse, and some light paper remnants, otherwise fine condition. Just a scant handful of Gottschalksigned images have appeared on the market in the last 25 years. RR Auction COA.
