Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de St Georges c 1745 – 1799. Primary Schools key stage 2

Joseph Boulogne's father was George de Boulogne de Saint-Georges, a French plantation owner on the French West Indies island of Guadeloupe. His mother was a slave on the plantation, a young woman called Nanon. She was of African descent but was born on the island. They had a son Joseph, born on Christmas Day, 1745.

The family had to leave Guadeloupe. They moved to Haiti and then to France at the time Louis XV was King. Since Joseph’s father had a title he was able to join the royal court and to provide the best education for his son. Joseph was sent to one of the best schools in Paris.

In the mornings there were classes in mathematics, history, foreign languages, music, drawing and dance. In the afternoons he learned the skill of fencing. Joseph became so good in many things that he became very well known, especially in fencing and in music. He could play the violin very well and he became a composer.

Mozart visited Paris at this time and was influenced by Joseph. He borrowed an idea from his music. The Sinfonia Concertante is a form which Mozart learned about while he was in Paris. Joseph had written a number of works for more than one solo instrument. Mozart’s works with this title became very famous.

It is reported that:
“During the 1772-1773 concert season, Joseph directed and played his first two violin concertos at the Amateurs. Le Mercure [The Mercury] reported that they 'received the greatest applause as much for the quality of playing as for that of the composition'.”

He played for Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles.He commissioned a set of symphonies from Josef Haydn, now known as the "Paris Symphonies", and conducted their first performance.

Posted by John Tyrrell at November 19, 2006 1:18 AM