Chevalier de Saint-Georges' Violin Concerto No. 9 in G Major, op. 8 [Digital Download]

The music of polymath Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges has become increasingly sought-after as the classical music world reflects on its history. Born on Christmas Day 1745 in Guadeloupe, Joseph was the illegitimate son of a wealthy plantation owner and Nanon, a slave of Senegalese descent. He was brought to Paris at the age of 7, and quickly excelled in his studies. Upon graduating from a prestigious fencing academy, he was granted the title of Chevalier. He was well-known as a master swordfighter and an accomplished musician, even notably acquainted with Queen Marie Antoinette. Through modern eyes, Joseph’s life a compelling narrative of a meticulous and gregarious man who defied society’s expectations and seized every opportunity that came his way.

I first became aware in the music of Chevalier de Saint-Georges when Marie Bérard, concertmaster of the Canadian Opera Company, asked me if I would write a piano reduction for this concerto. This edition was created in 2021 and is intended as a practical performing edition. My primary source was the 1999 Artaria Editions version, which itself is anchored in the original manuscript in the Bibliothèque nationale de France. It is my hope that this piano reduction helps to bring wider reach to this excellent work, and that violinists will be able to program it on recitals without needing to hire additional musicians.