Part 1
Go back in time and learn about the early creators of classical music
In this lesson, you’ll watch a video of D-Composed ensemble members performing Joseph Bolonge, Chevalier de Saint-Georges “String Quartet No. 3”
After you watch the video, learn more about the life of Joseph Bologne and life in France in the 1700s.
IN THIS LESSON
Additional Resources
Learn more about Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges by checking out the resources below.
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Experience the Music of Chevalier de Saint-Georges from the New York Public Library
In 2019, musicians from the Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges, led by Marlon Daniel, and Guadeloupean Soprano Léïla Brédent performed on the Center’s stage as part of a U.S. preview concert of the Saint-George's International Music Festival.
The festival honors the music, life, and legacy of one of Guadeloupe’s native sons.
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In this fun TikTok video from violinist Tanya Charles Iveniuk, a panelist from our Tafel Talks: Joseph Bologne, Black & Classical panel discussion, learn about famed 18th-century Black composer Joseph Bologne.
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This 45 minute radio episode takes a look at the life and work of Joseph Bologne. Hosted by Terrance McKnight, the program includes a conversation with Marlon Daniel, Artistic and Music Director of the Saint-Georges International Music Festival, and also the moderator of our Tafel Talks: Joseph Bologne, Black & Classical event; Lady Jess, violinist and Co-Artistic Director of the Urban Playground Chamber Orchestra; and Bill Barclay, the Artistic Director of Concert Theatre Works and former Director of Music at Shakespeare’s Globe.
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“There’s something about bow technique and fencing that have something in common that he obviously had an amazing skill for”: in this short audio documentary from WBUR, hear from our Music Director Emerita Jeanne Lamon, and others, on Joseph Bologne’s fencing career—and how it intersected with his storied legacy as a composer.
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In this insightful article from The New York Times, contemporary classical composer Marcos Balter addresses why the nickname “Black Mozart” — often used in place of the composer Joseph Bologne’s name — is problematic and contributes to the erasure of Bologne and his legacy.