Obscure Music Monday: Saint-Georges' Two Symphonie Concertante Op. 9

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. He wrote symphonies, string quartets, and concertos like Two Symphonies Concertantes. Today we are looking at the one in G major.

Cheerful and upbeat, this piece for two violins and orchestra showcases Saint-Georges' elegant and clean writing. The two violin soloists each have their time to shine, and also play together, often apart in 3rds. In addition to working on intonation, this piece also gives the musicians the challenge of working on clean and crisp articulation, like all Classical era music. The cellos and double basses create a warm foundation while the violas help make that line even richer, and the violins carry the joyful melodic parts.