Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges Essentials

Joseph Bologne (1745-99), son of the Guadeloupe planter George Bologne and his Senegalese slave Nanon, was born in the French colony and brought to Paris by his father in 1753. Young Joseph proved an outstanding athlete, fencer, soldier, and all-round musician. Despite racial prejudice, he rose high in court circles, became a favourite of Queen Marie Antoinette, and wrote operas for the aristocracy—L’Amant anonyme outstanding among them. Listen to Bologne’s Violin Concerto in C Major, Op. 5 No. 1, or the “Adagio” from Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 3 No. 1 to feel the power of his beguiling style.