Obscure Music Monday: Saint-Georges' String Quartet No. 3

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Dec. 25, 1745 – June 10, 1799) was a composer, violinist, and conductor, born to George Bologne de Saint-Georges, a wealthy married planter, and Anne dites Nanon, his wife's African slave. Though born in Guadeloupe, his father took him to France when he was a child, where he was educated, and he became a skilled fencer. Later on he joined the Légion St.-Georges during the French Revolution, the first all-black regiment in Europe.

There is little to nothing known of his musical upbringing, other than the fact that he was a virtuoso violinist who started playing at a very young age. His compositional output include symphonies, concertos, string quartets, and even an opera. He wrote six string quartets, all consisting of 2 movements, a little bit different than the average Classical era string quartet, which usually had four movements. His String Quartet No. 3 in g minor only clocks in at about four and a half minutes, but every minute of it is delightful, with clean lines, and charming melodies. The first violin carries the melody almost always, with occasional collaborations with the second violin, but the rest of the quartet is usually providing accompaniment.