Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Violin Concertos
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CD Details
Composer: Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-GeorgesConductor: Helmut M?ller-Br?hl
Orchestra: Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Performer: Takako Nishizaki
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2001-05-15
Music Label: Naxos
Soundtracks:
- I. Allegro
- II. Allegro moderato
- III. Rondeau
- I. Allegro moderato
- II. Largo
- III. Rondeau
- I. Allegro
- II. Largo
- III. Rondeau
Music reviews of Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Violin Concertos
Music Review: Flashing Saber, Slashing Bow
Rating: 3 Stars
Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1739-1799), was the son of a French sugar planter and his slave, a Wolof woman born in Africa. At age ten, Boulogne arrived in Paris and started lessons in music, riding, and fencing. I haven't found any indication of what became of his mother. Obviously, Boulogne lived a life of both privilege and prejudice, and it was the latter which eventually stunted his musical opportunities. He was an interesting character, one whose biography needs to be written by someone of the literary skill of Dumas.
The question to be asked, however, is whether his compositions are as fascinating as his character. Perhaps not, but they are bright and and shapely, and quite as entertaining as most violin concerti of his era. The concerto was still at that time largely a professional show-piece for the virtuosity of the violinist/composer; judging by these, Boulogne must have been a formidable fiddler. And if he was a swordsman as quick with the saber as with the bow, he must have been fun to watch. In fact, for most of his mature life, after his musical hopes were dashed, he supported himself by giving fencing exhibitions.
My evaluation of his compositional skills is hampered by the performance on this CD. Takako Nishizaki is, according to the CD notes, the best-known and best-selling performer of Chinese violin music, and had recorded more than 100 CDs. She's certainly not without technique, but that technique is not Baroque or Rococo in sensibility. There's some "concert hall" quality to her playing of these "salon" concerti that just doesn't captivate my affections. I'd love to hear Boulogne performed by a period ensemble of the quality of Les Arts Florissants. Meanwhile to compare the chevalier to Mozart merely because of his race does his stature as an artful minor composer no service.
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