Obscure Music Monday: Wiggins' Battle of Manassas

Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (May 25, 1849 - June 14, 1908) was an African-American musical prodigy on the piano. Born on a plantation in Georgia, he was sold, along with his parents, in to slavery. Because he was blind, his owner, James Bethune, originally wanted to kill him, as he couldn't do much of the work he demanded slaves do, but eventually decided to let him play and explore the plantation he was on. 

Wiggins became interested in piano after hearing Bethune's daughters playing the instrument; at age four he gained piano playing skills by ear, and by five had composed his first piece. Bethune recognized Wiggins' talent, and allowed him to stay in a room attached to the house that was equipped with a piano; it's rumored that Wiggins would play up to 12 hours a day if he could. He was hired out from the age of eight to play concert across the country; his talent was exploited by Bethune, who kept most of the income Wiggins made as a soloist.

The Battle of Manassas, for solo piano, is considered one of Wiggins' greatest compositions; he musically describes the first land battle of the Civil War vividly, with incredible skill and creativity. It starts with the left hand playing a gesture that's akin to the drums in a march, while the left hand sounds like it could be a piccolo, in a very quintessential Civil War sound and style. The first theme is that of the Confederate Army, and the next theme is of the Union, both marching to where they be stationed. A thoughtful and sad Adagio breaks up work, representing the eve before the battle. Out of that section comes a battle call, followed quickly by the actual battle. Patriotic works like Yankee Doodle Dandy are played with large, loud dissonances, which represent cannons and gunfire. The pianist has to vocalize in this piece too, with some "choo choos" and a high-pitched whistle, much like a train. This musical description of a battle is an absolutely brilliant work that speaks to Wiggins' talent.

We can't find a recording of this work, but hope that changes soon!