The Chevalier de Saint-George was a composer, violinist, music director, revolutionary, Freemason, and an exceptionally talented swordsman.
Composer Biography
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George, was born in Guadeloupe to an enslaved mother and a wealthy French planter, and received a comprehensive education in Paris.
Critical Reception
After his death, the Chevalier de Saint-George was deliberately forgotten because his origins and career posed problems after Napoleon reestablished slavery in 1802.
Composition History
Thierry Pécou's concerto 'Hommage au Chevalier de Saint-George' was commissioned by the French Ministry of Culture for the Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges.
Composer Biography
The Chevalier de Saint-George commissioned Joseph Haydn for the six compositions known as the 'Paris' Symphonies for the Concert de la Loge Olympique orchestra.
Compositional Technique
While the Chevalier de Saint-George's violin works are very challenging and virtuosic, their difficulty often goes unnoticed because his music remains simple, melodious, and sounds natural and spontaneous.
