Joseph Bologne

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–1799), was a French violinist, composer, conductor, and soldier.

Born to a father from Guadeloupe, he rose to fame in Paris despite racial prejudice. A virtuoso musician, he composed operas and was briefly Director of the Paris Opera before being ousted due to his mixed-race heritage. Nicknamed the “Black Mozart,” his legacy rivals that of Mozart himself. This account includes vivid illustrations, photos of key sites, a timeline, and “B Sharp” sidebars that highlight key moments in his remarkable life.