Categories: Articles, Columnists, Harlem, William “Tony” Rogers,
Urbanology: The Black Mozart
By W.A. Rogers
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges has a unique story that has been hidden for centuries. He was a composer, violinist, and was one of the best fencers in France during the 18th century.
Bologne was born in Guadeloupe. His father, George Bologne de Saint-Georges, was a wealthy plantation owner, and his mother was a slave from Senegal, Africa.
Bologne was taken to France at the age of seven by his father to receive an education. From the age of thirteen, he was trained in horse riding, fencing, and dancing. At the age of sixteen, he beat one of the strongest fencers in France and was appointed the title of Chevalier {Knight} by King Louis XVI.
Joseph Bologne’s name was not often listed among the famous 18th-century composers, but his talents were often compared to Mozart’s. He published numerous operas, concertos, and symphonies. He performed all his violin concertos as a soloist with La Concert Olympique, an orchestra he also conducted.
Bologne was a general in Europe’s first Black 1000-man regiment, often known as the Legion of saint-George Bologne. He was truly a remarkable individual, often considered one of France’s best dressed, best dancers, and a musician/composer that rivaled Mozart, He was also very handsome.
Unsurprisingly, a Black man with all those skills and good looks was often challenged, but he never lost a duel. His exploits were often the talk of France. Marie-Antoinette was a big fan, and he was not only her musical tutor, but many believed their relationship might have had romantic overtones.
Bologne’s close relationship with Antoinette got him in trouble when Marie-Antoinette was executed, having been accused of being a traitor to the country. Even though Bologne was a decorated war hero during the French Revolution, he was arrested and sent to prison. After being released from prison, Bologne traveled to Saint-Domingue, now known as Haiti.
Saint Domingue was in full revolt. The enslaved Africans revolted against the slavers. Many historians believe that the Chevalier de Saint-Georges supported the efforts of troops being commissioned to Saint-Domingue to help abolish slavery.
With all his skills and influential friends, Bologne experienced a great deal of racism in France and was an outspoken advocate of justice for people of African descent. This is a story I wish I could have learned about growing up. I still love a good sword-fighting movie. It would have been a thrill to know that one of the best fencers in France was a Black man. I am pleased that the big-screen movie, “Chevalier,” is currently in theaters.
Perhaps a young person might be inspired by the history of this remarkable man. I suggest learning more about the true history of the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The movie is rated PG, but you might want to share this history with younger children. I find it to be more interesting than the fictional tales of “The Three Musketeers,” which I loved.
I did not know that Alexandre Dumas, who also wrote “The Count of Monte Cristo,” another favorite swashbuckling tale of mine, was Black until later in life. Knowledge is power. Perhaps that is why school curriculums are being attacked across the country.
