Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the 18th century composer Joseph Bologne

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of a musician also remarkable for his sporting prowess. Joseph Bologne’s story throws a light on the political turbulence affecting France in the 18th century, and on the legacy of colonialism and slavery.

Bologne is celebrated as the first composer of African descent to attain widespread acclaim in Europe.

Donald is joined by Olivette Otele, distinguished Professor of the Legacies and Memory of Slavery at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

Music Featured:

String Quartet in G minor, Op 1, No 3 (2nd mvt, Rondeau)
Symphonie Concertante in A major, Op 10, No 2
Violin Concerto in D major, Op 3, No 1
Symphony in G major, Op 11, No 1
Quartetto concertans No 4 in F major (2nd mvt, Rondeau)
String Quartet in D major, Op 1, No 6
Lolli: Violin Concerto No 2 in C major, Op 2 (1st & 3rd mvt)
Violin Concerto in A major, Op 5, No 2 (1st mvt, Allegro Moderato)
Symphonie Concertante in C major, Op 9, No 1
Violin Concerto in G major, Op 8, No 2 (3rd mvt, Rondeau)
Keyboard Sonata No 2 in A major with obbligato violin (1st mvt, Allegro moderato)
Ernestine (Scena)
Symphonie Concertante in E flat, Op 13, No 1
L’Amant anonyme (excerpt)
Quartetto concertans No 3 in C major (2nd mvt, Rondeau: Moderato)
Symphonie Concertante, Op 6 No 2 in B-flat major, G 038
Violin Concerto in C major, Op 5 No 1 (2nd & 3rd mvts)
Haydn: Symphony No 85 in B-flat major, Hob I:85, "La reine" (The Queen): (1st mvt, Adagio - Vivace)
String Quartet in G minor, Op 14 No 6 (1st & 2nd mvts)
String Quartet in C minor, Op 1 No 4 (2nd mvt, Rondeau)
Concertante Quartet in G minor, Op 15 No 2
Violin Concerto in A major, Op 7 No 1
Symphonie Concertante in F major, Op 10 No 1
String Quartet in C Major, Op 1 No 1 (2nd mvt, Rondeau: Tempo di minuetto; Grazioso)

Presented by Donald Macleod
Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Audio Wales & West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1745-1799) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021jym

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z