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Instability: 1780 - 1788

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 follow Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges on the cusp of the French Revolution as he loses his biggest supporter, and is sent to London to exert his soft power over the Prince of Wales.

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.

Quartetto concertans No 3 in C major (2nd mvt, Rondeau: Moderato)
Arabella String Quartet

Symphonie Concertante, Op 6 No 2 in B-flat major, G 038
I. Allegro poco moderato
II. Andante amoroso
Midori Sugiyama, Lisa Obert, violins
麻豆社 Philharmonic
Jack Sheen, conductor

Violin Concerto in C major, Op 5 No 1 (2nd & 3rd mvts)
Takako Nishizaki, violin
Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Helmut M眉ller-Br眉hl, conductor

Haydn: Symphony No 85 in B-flat major, Hob I:85, "La reine" (The Queen): (1st mvt, Adagio - Vivace)
Les Arts Florissants
William Christie, director

String Quartet in G minor, Op 14 No 6 (1st & 2nd mvts)
Quatuor les Adieux

Produce by Iain Chambers for 麻豆社 Audio Wales & West

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    String Quartet Concertant in C Major, Op 15, No 3 (2nd mvt, Rondeau: Moderato)

    Ensemble: Arabella String Quartet.
    • NAXOS : 8.-574360.
    • NAXOS.
    • 6.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Symphonie Concertante in B flat major, Op 6, No 2 (1st & 2nd mvt)

    Orchestra: 麻豆社 Philharmonic. Conductor: Jack Sheen.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Violin Concerto in C major, Op 5, No 1

    Performer: Takako Nishizaki. Orchestra: K枚lner Kammerorchester. Conductor: Helmut M眉ller鈥怋r眉hl.
    • Naxos: 8555040.
    • Naxos.
    • 2.
  • Joseph Haydn

    Symphony No 85 in B flat major "La Reine" (1st mvt)

    Ensemble: Les Arts Florissants. Director: William Christie.
    • Harmonia Mundi : HAF-8902276.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 5.
  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    String Quartet in G minor, Op 14, No 6

    Ensemble: Quatuour Les Adieux.
    • AUVIDIS VALOIS : V-4761.
    • AUVIDIS VALOIS.
    • 4.

Broadcast

  • Thu 8 Aug 2024 16:00

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