Joseph Bologne

Symphony No. 2 Finale

Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was the first classical composer of African ancestry. Born in the French colony of Guadeloupe, Saint-Georges was taken to Paris by his father to be raised as a gentleman. Often referred to at the time as “Le Mozart Noir” (The Black Mozart), Saint-Georges was known a first-rate violinist, world champion fencer, and conductor of “Le Concert Olympique”, the most prestigious orchestra in France. He commissioned and premiered Haydn’s six “Paris” Symphonies (numbers 82-87) and was highly favored by the then Queen of France, Marie Antionette.

The Symphony 2 Finale is a lively dance movement in D Major with a contrasting middle section in D minor. Great care has been taken to preserve the authenticity of the original symphony while making the work accessible to young students. The Symphony 2 Finale gives educators the perfect opportunity to expose students to a quality composer of color who was a contemporary of Haydn and Mozart.