Music Chevalier de Saint-Georges

françois-joseph gossec

nothing known saint-georges’s musical training. platon , fictional whip-toting slave commander on saint-domingue who, in beauvoir’s novel taught little saint-georges violin, figment of author’s imagination. given prodigious technique adult, saint-georges must have practised violin child. yet, not before 1764, when violinist antonio lolli composed 2 concertos, op.2 him, , 1766, when françois gossec dedicated set of 6 string trios, op.9 saint georges, revealed famous swordsman played violin. dedications suggest lolli polished violin technique , gossec composition teacher. there no basis not reliable françois-joseph fétis’ claim saint-georges studied violin jean-marie leclair, similar traits in technique indicate pierre gaviniès 1 of mentors. other composers later dedicated works saint-georges carl stamitz in 1770, , avolio in 1778.

in 1769, parisian public amazed see saint-georges, great fencer, among violins of gossec’s new orchestra, le concert des amateurs. 2 years later became concertmaster, , in 1772 created sensation debut soloist, playing first 2 violin concertos, op. ii, gossec conducting orchestra. these concertos performed last winter @ concert of amateurs author himself, received great applause performance composition. according source, celebrated saint-georges, mulatto fencer [and] violinist, created sensation in paris ... [when] 2 years later ... @ concert spirituel, appreciated not compositions performances, enrapturing feminine members of audience.

young saint-georges in 1768 @ age 22: note 3 roses on lapel, masonic symbol

saint-georges first compositions, op. i, set of 6 string quartets, among first in france. inspired haydn’s earliest quartets imported vienna eccentric baron bagge, musicales frequented of best musicians in paris, including joseph. 2 more sets of 6 string quartets, 3 charming forte-piano , violin sonatas, sonata harp , flute , 6 violin duos make chamber music output. cello sonata performed in lille in 1792, concerto clarinet , 1 bassoon lost. twelve additional violin concertos, 2 symphonies , 8 symphonie-concertantes, new, intrinsically parisian genre of saint-georges 1 of chief exponents complete list of instrumental works, published between 1771 , 1779, short span of 8 years. 6 opéras comiques , number of songs in manuscript complete list of works, remarkable considering many extra-musical activities.

palais de soubise, venue of saint-georges orchestra

in 1773, when gossec took on direction of prestigious troubled concert spirituel, designated saint-georges successor director of concert des amateurs. less 2 years under direction, “performing great precision , delicate nuances [the amateurs] became best orchestra symphonies in paris, , perhaps in of europe.” queen attended of saint-georges concerts @ palais de soubise, arriving without notice, orchestra wore court attire performances. dressed in rich velvet or damask gold or silver braid , fine lace on cuffs , collars , parade swords , plumed hats placed next them on benches, combined effect pleasing eye flattering ear. saint-georges played violin concertos soloist orchestra. corner movements replete daring batteries , bariolages, brilliant technical effects made possible new bow designed nicholas pierre tourte père - perfect foil in hands of great swordsman. while fast movements reveal composer probing outer limits of instrument, slow movements lyrical , expressive, occasional touch of creole nostalgia.

page concerto op. v no. 2 saint-georges batteries , bariolages

saint-georges fortunate established professional musician, because in 1774, when father died in guadeloupe, annuity awarded legitimate half-sister, elisabeth benedictine. while before contributed services amateurs, asked , willingly granted generous fee sponsors of orchestra, had turned largest , prestigious ensemble in europe.

in 1776 académie royale de musique, paris opéra, once again in dire straits. saint georges proposed next director of opera. creator of first disciplined french orchestra since lully, obvious choice rescue prestige of troubled institution. however, alarmed reputation taskmaster, 3 of leading ladies “... presented placet (petition) queen [marie antoinette] assuring majesty honor , delicate conscience never allow them submit orders of mulatto.” keep affair embarrassing queen, saint-georges promptly withdrew name proposal. meanwhile, defuse brewing scandal, louis xvi took opéra city of paris - ceded louis xiv century ago - managed intendant of light entertainments. following “affair,” marie-antoinette preferred hold musicales in salon of petit appartement de la reine in versailles. audience limited intimate circle , few musicians, among them chevalier de saint-georges. “invited play music queen,” saint-georges played violin sonatas, majesty playing forte-piano.

the placet ended forever saint-georges’ aspirations highest position of musician in paris. was, far know, serious setback suffered due color. compared upheavals come, tempest in teapot, wound inflicted on saint-georges fester until revolution. on next 2 years published 2 more violin concertos , pair of symphonies concertantes. thereafter, despite of humiliation operatic divas, except final set of quartets (op. 14, 1785), saint-georges, fascinated stage, abandoned composing instrumental music in favor of opera.