Black History Month: WTJU Classical features Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
By WTJU
This month is Black History Month, and WTJU host Michael Pillow will feature pieces each Friday morning by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Saint-Georges is the first known classical composer of African ancestry.
Saint-Georges was a renowned fencer… So in 1769, the Parisian public was amazed to see Saint-Georges playing as a violinist in François-Joseph Gossec’s new orchestra. Four years later, he became its concertmaster / conductor.
Saint-Georges went on to compose composed 14 violin concertos, several operas, and several sonatas and string quartets. His music has been compared to that of Mozart.
Tune in for Michael Pillow’s programs on the Friday edition of Classical Sunrise, 7 – 9 a.m.
