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Water in the Moonlight in Bb major

Thomas Wiggins

About the composer
Born into slavery in Georgia, Thomas Wiggins' life was one of the most incredible and moving episodes in American history. Blind and autistic, and so unable to work with other slaves. He was mesmerized by the music of his owner's young daughters, and by the time he was four, Tom was already playing tunes on the piano. Thomas Wiggins, or "Blind Tom" as he was called, toured the world playing for celebrities like Mark Twain and the Queen of England, dazzling audiences everywhere. The world he perceived was alive with vibration. His ear was so sensitive he could ‘see’ objects around him. A musical genius, Thomas Wiggins' life offers a window into the culture of celebrity and racism at the turn of the twentieth century.
To learn more about Wiggins click here.
Who's this piece for?
Great piece for advanced pianists who want to expand their repertoire and learn more about the music of Wiggins.
3-4 pages
Romantic
Bb major

MOOD: Passionate, triumphant and solemn.

TECHNIQUE: Large chords.

Ranking
Equivalent to RCM level 9
Equivalent to ABRSM level 8
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1861

U.S. Civil War begins.

1862

Claude Debussy was born.

1865

Gen. Lee surrenders and the Civil War is over. Lincoln fatally shot at Ford's Theater by John Booth.

1865

Lewis Carroll writes Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

1866

Water in the Moonlight was composed by T. Wiggins at the age of 17 years old.

1867

U.S. buys Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000.

1869

Mendeleev creates the periodic table of elements.

1871

Germany is unified and the German Empire is proclaimed with Prussian King as Kaiser Wilhelm I.

1871

Alexander Scriabin was born.

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