大象传媒

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of a musician also remarkable for his sporting prowess. Joseph Bologne鈥檚 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.

Today, we look at how the newly knighted Chevalier de Saint-Georges became the darling of Parisian society, a famous fencing prodigy turned virtuoso violinist who - with his dashing good looks, athletic physique and glamorous uniform 鈥� was sought out by the foremost society hostesses.

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.

Quartetto concertans No 4 in F major (2nd mvt, Rondeau)
Arabella String Quartet

String Quartet in D major, Op 1, No 6
Jean-N枚el Molard String Quartet

Lolli: Violin Concerto No 2 in C major, Op 2 (1st & 3rd mvt)
Reale Concerto
Luca Fanfoni, director

Violin Concerto in A major, Op 5, No 2 (1st mvt, Allegro Moderato)
Anne-Sophie Mutter, violin
Mutter's Virtuosi

Symphonie Concertante in C major, Op 9, No 1
Yury Revich and Libor Je啪ek, violins
Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, Pardubice
Michael Hal谩sz, conductor

Produced by Iain Chambers for 大象传媒 Audio Wales & West