How a small-town music lover in Quebec led our family to uncover one of history’s most remarkable musicians
My father-in-law, Marc Sr, is the avid classical and opera enthusiast in question. He lives in a small mining town in Quebec, and what started as his personal musical exploration turned into somewhat of an obsession, so much so that he began organizing community events to share his incredible find with others.
The object of his enthusiasm? Joseph Bologne, also known as Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges“ and, more controversially, the “Black Mozart”.
A Life Straight Out of Legend
Saint-Georges was a celebrated biracial violinist, composer, and conductor in 18th-century France (1770-1780). But calling him just a musician barely scratches the surface of this Renaissance man’s achievements. He was multifaceted, multi-talented, and lived a life so remarkable it seems almost fictional. Born on Christmas Day, 1745, in Guadeloupe, Joseph’s story begins with both privilege and controversy. His mother was a young, enslaved Senegalese woman; his father, Georges Bologne, was her wealthy, married owner. In a progressive move for the time, Georges acknowledged his illegitimate son, gave him his surname, and made a life-changing decision that Joseph would have better opportunities in France.
This pivotal choice altered young Joseph’s entire trajectory and meant access to:
- First-class education, including intensive musical training
- Elite sports training – he became a renowned equestrian and fencer
- Military leadership (later on during the revolution)
- High society, where he also gained a reputation as an elegant dancer
Rising Through the Musical Ranks
Saint-Georges’ first major musical performance was with an orchestra at Le Concert des Amateurs. His talent was undeniable – within a few years, they appointed him concert master, and he soon debuted as a soloist.
But success came with challenges. Despite his free status, he faced significant racism in pre-Revolutionary France. The derogatory term “mulatto” followed him, and racist laws limited his career advancement opportunities.
The “Black Mozart” Controversy
The nickname “Black Mozart” has sparked considerable debate among music historians and scholars. Here’s what we know:
The Timeline: When young Mozart moved to France, Chevalier was already established in Marie Antoinette’s court. Mozart was just beginning to seek work and establish himself.
The Musical Influence: While it’s unknown whether Mozart heard Saint-Georges’ music during his French period, documented evidence suggests Mozart’s later compositions contained elements reminiscent of Saint-Georges’ style.
The Problem with the Name: Some argue “Black Mozart” implies Saint-Georges copied Mozart’s style – but the evidence suggests it may have been the other way around. More importantly, many find the comparison discredits Saint-Georges’ unique musical ability and integrity while perpetuating racial bias.
From History to Hollywood: The “Chevalier” Film
The Screenwriter’s Vision
Award-winning television screenwriter Stefani Robinson first encountered Saint-Georges’ story in high school through a book her mother gave her. The impact was immediate and lasting – she described it as reading about “a superhero no one had ever heard of.”
When the opportunity arose to write for film, Saint-Georges’ story was her first choice. This became her mission: expose this underrated historical figure on the big screen.
Bringing Authenticity to the Screen
Canadian director Stephen Williams faced the monumental task of bringing this historical story to life authentically while making it cinematically compelling. Key artistic decisions included:
- No stunt doubles for fighting or musical scenes
- Modern influences like Prince and Jimi Hendrix, used to highlight Chevalier’s “rock star” qualities
- Historical accuracy balanced with contemporary relevance
The Perfect Leading Man
Kelvin Harrison Jr., born in New Orleans to a musical family, seemed destined for the role. His preparation was intense:
- Daily practice sessions with his father to revamp his violin skills
- Additional musical coaching during production
- Fencing training from his previous role in “Cyrano”
Between his musical background and physical preparation, Kelvin truly embodied the virtuosity and showmanship that defined the real Chevalier.
The Musical Legacy Lives On
Rediscovering Lost Masterpieces
Much of Saint-Georges’ work was lost during the French Revolution, but recent efforts have focused on restoration and performance of surviving pieces. While most of his operas disappeared, “L’amant anonyme” (1780) remains, along with fragments of others.
His surviving works include:
- Concertos
- Symphonies
- Chamber music
The Film’s Musical Authenticity
The “Chevalier” film soundtrack featured both historical and contemporary elements:
- Saint-Georges’ original compositions reworked for various scenes
- Contributions from award-winning composers Michael Abels and Kris Bowers
- Period-accurate sound techniques using string manipulation and detuning
- Featured piece: “Violin Concerto in G Major, Op. 8, No. 2: I. Allegro”
The soundtrack was released by Hollywood Records on April 21, 2023, exactly one year after the film premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Chevalier’s Final Bow: Why This Matters Today
If it weren’t for my father-in-law’s passionate discovery in small-town Quebec, our family might never have learned about Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges. His story represents something larger than individual achievement – it’s about recognizing overlooked voices in classical music history.
Between ongoing efforts to restore his music and the recent film release, Saint-Georges’ musical legacy continues to resonate with new audiences. The hope is that future generations of music scholars – and music lovers like us – will ensure his contributions are never forgotten again.
Bravo, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Bravo!