Joseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint Georges 🎻

Image - Nicholas McNally

Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint - Georges (1745-1799) was a Guadeloupean French skilled fencer, virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor for the leading symphony orchestra in Paris during the late 18th Century.

The son of a Senegalese enslaved woman named Nanon and wealthy married planter George de Bologne Saint-Georges, Joseph arrived in France at the age of seven. Enrolled by his father in a fencing school at the age of 13, he excelled in this skill. He also had musical talent, and was taught by Francois- Joseph Gossec and Jean-Marie Leclair.

A very accomplished man of his time, having concertos dedicated to him - he faced many obstacles being a mixed-raced man. Many went as far as to write petitions to Marie Antoinette to block him from being in charge of the opera. He also served as the colonel of the Legion de St. Georges the first all-Black regiment in Europe during the French Revolution. His music was banned by Napolean, and now his name is getting the recognition it greatly deserves.

Coming Spring 2023, “Chevalier” a film inspired by the life of this extrodinary man will be released. Take a look at the trailer:

Regarded as being, “The most famous composer you’ve never heard of” inspiring the likes of Mozart and Beethoven, here is a performance by Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble playing the piece, “Symphonie Concertante in G major - Allegro.” Enjoy the beats 🎧.