The Chevalier de Saint-Georges
2008; Oxford University Press; Volume: 36; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1093/em/cam129
ISSN1741-7260
Autores Tópico(s)Historical and Literary Studies
ResumoThe enigmatic figure of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–99), has been a subject of romance and adventure since the early 19th century. Virtuoso violinist and expert swordsman, he captured the imagination of both pre- and post-revolutionary France, not only for his prodigious physical skills (both artistic and martial) but also for his rise to fame from relatively humble origins. Born on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, he was the illegitimate son of the plantation owner George Bologne and his African slave Nanon. At an early age he moved permanently to France, where he received a fine education, probably studying violin and composition with Antonio Lolli and François-Joseph Gossec respectively. He excelled at fencing, and in 1766 was pronounced one of the finest swordsmen in Europe. With a fine reputation as a soloist, concertmaster and director, Saint-Georges was also renowned as a composer; his published works include two sets of string quartets, twelve violin concertos and ten symphonies concertantes. Yet his physical and musical talents were often not enough for him to escape racial prejudice emanating from the highest echelons of society. In 1776, for example, he was prevented from becoming music director of the Paris Opéra due to objections from members unwilling to ‘submit to the orders of a mulatto’. Nevertheless, Saint-Georges was caught in the spirit of his era and was embroiled in the life and scandals of Parisian high society. He travelled twice to London, commanded a legion in a war against Austria and Prussia, and was involved in revolutionary and abolitionist movements.
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