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Intrigue at the opera: 1775 - 1780

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the 18th-century composer Joseph Bologne, celebrated as the first composer of African descent to attain widespread acclaim in Europe.

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of a musician also remarkable for his sporting prowess. Joseph Bologne鈥檚 story throws a light on the political turbulence affecting France in the 18th century, and on the legacy of colonialism and slavery.

Bologne is celebrated as the first composer of African descent to attain widespread acclaim in Europe.

Today, we鈥檒l hear Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges make his first forays into opera, a passion of his which endured throughout his life. He joins the social circle of Marie Antoinette, and shares a roof with a twenty-something called Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Donald is joined by Olivette Otele, distinguished Professor of the Legacies and Memory of Slavery at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

Violin Concerto in G major, Op 8, No 2 (3rd mvt, Rondeau)
Jean-Jacques Kantorow, violin
Bernard Thomas Chamber Orchestra
Bernard Thomas, conductor

Keyboard Sonata No 2 in A major with obbligato violin (1st mvt, Allegro moderato)
Jean-Jacques Kantorow, violin
Brigitte Haudebourg, harpsichord

Ernestine: Scena
Faye Robinson, soprano
London Symphony Orchestra
Paul Freeman, conductor

Symphonie Concertante in E flat, Op 13, No 1
麻豆社 Philharmonic Orchestra,
Zoe Beyers, Lisa Obert, violins
Ben Gernon, conductor

L鈥橝mant anonyme
Act I: Quinqu茅 (L茅ontine, Valcour, Oph茅mon, Jeannette, Colin)
Act II: R茅citative: Enfin une foule importune鈥 Amour deviens-moi propice (L茅ontine)
Geoffrey Agpalo, tenor (Valcour)
Nicole Cabell, soprano (L茅ontine)
David Govertsen, bass-baritone (Oph茅mon)
Erica Schuller, soprano (Jeanette)
Michael St. Peter, tenor (Colin)
Haymarket Opera Orchestra
Craig Trompeter, conductor

LeDuc: Symphony No 3 in E-flat major (1st mvt, Allegro vivace)
Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra
Reinhard Goebel, director

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Violin Concerto in G major, Op 8, No 2 (3rd mvt, Rondeau)

    Performer: Jean鈥怞acques Kantorow. Orchestra: Bernard Thomas Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Bernard Thomas.
    • ARION.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Keyboard Sonata No 2 in A major with Obbligato Violin (1st mvt)

    Performer: Jean鈥怞acques Kantorow. Performer: Brigitte Haudebourg.
    • Arion: ARN55445.
    • Arion.
    • 1.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Ernestine (Scena)

    Singer: Faye Robinson. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Paul Freeman.
    • SONY CLASSICAL : 886447262702.
    • SONY CLASSICAL.
    • 8.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Symphonie Concertante in E flat major, Op 13, No 1

    Performer: Zo毛 Beyers. Performer: Midori Sugiyama. Orchestra: 麻豆社 Philharmonic. Conductor: Ben Gernon.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    L'Amant anonyme (Acts 1 & 2 excerpts)

    Singer: Geoffrey Agpalo. Singer: Nicole Cabell. Singer: David Govertson. Singer: Erica Schuller. Singer: Michael St. Peter. Orchestra: Haymarket Opera Company. Conductor: Craig Trompeter.
    • CEDILLE.
  • Simon Leduc

    Symphony No 3 in E flat major (1st mvt)

    Orchestra: Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic. Conductor: Reinhard Goebel.
    • OEHMS CLASSICS.

Broadcast

  • Wed 7 Aug 2024 16:00

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