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Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799)
Symphony No. 1 in G Major
Composed: Unknown
Premiered: 1799
Duration: 11 minutes


Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was more than just a composer: he was an 18th-century French colonel, champion fencer, virtuoso violinist, friend and companion to Marie Antoinette, and so much more!

Born on Christmas Day in 1745, Bologne was brought to Paris at a young age by his father, and at 13, he was enrolled in fencing school. His meteoric rise as a swordsman drew the attention of fencing master Alexandre Picard, whom Bologne defeated while still student. When he graduated from the Royal Polytechnique Academy in 1766, he was named an officer of the king's bodyguard as well as a chevalier.

Little is known about Bologne's early musical training, and the first mentions of him as a musician appear in 1764. He startled Paris when, in 1769, he performed as a violinist with François-Joseph Gossec's orchestra. Four years later, he was named Concertmaster and became the orchestra's conductor.

Bologne only composed two symphonies in his career, but he also composed numerous operas, concertos, sonatas, and choral works.

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799)
Symphony No. 1 in G Major
Composed: Unknown
Premiered: 1799
Duration: 11 minutes


Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was more than just a composer: he was an 18th-century French colonel, champion fencer, virtuoso violinist, friend and companion to Marie Antoinette, and so much more!

Born on Christmas Day in 1745, Bologne was brought to Paris at a young age by his father, and at 13, he was enrolled in fencing school. His meteoric rise as a swordsman drew the attention of fencing master Alexandre Picard, whom Bologne defeated while still student. When he graduated from the Royal Polytechnique Academy in 1766, he was named an officer of the king's bodyguard as well as a chevalier.

Little is known about Bologne's early musical training, and the first mentions of him as a musician appear in 1764. He startled Paris when, in 1769, he performed as a violinist with François-Joseph Gossec's orchestra. Four years later, he was named Concertmaster and became the orchestra's conductor.

Bologne only composed two symphonies in his career, but he also composed numerous operas, concertos, sonatas, and choral works.