Louis Moreau Gottschalk was born in New Orleans in 1829. His father was of German-Jewish decent and his Catholic mother was a Creole from Haiti. His piano lessons commenced at the age of five and were part of a family life that enjoyed the rich cultural activities that cosmopolitan New Orleans offered. Composed by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, the Grand Tarantella is a brilliant 'moto perpetuo' showpiece derived form the old Napolitan dance in 6/8 meter.