Obscure Music Monday: Saint-Georges' Violin Concerto in D

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 that he most likely started the violin early, as he was a virtuoso. He wrote symphonies, string quartets, and several violin concertos, including his Violin Concerto in D major, Op. Posth.

In the opening movement, Allegro, Saint-Georges' writing is quintessential Classical era, with clean, crisp lines and attractive melodies. The solo part is a bit on the more flamboyant side for a Classical-era concerto, which is unsurprising as Saint-Georges was a virtuoso violinist. His writing for the instrument is wonderfully bright and cheerful.

The second movement, Adagio, is gloomy and dark, with a deep sense of gravitas to it, while the somber violin part plays above it all.

The final movement, Rondo, is the exact opposite of the middle movement–it's bouncing with joy! Saint-Georges' writing in this movement is especially clear and sparkling, and the violin part is simply charming.