Joseph Boulogne, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a very well known French composer of classical music in his day. He was even referred to as the “black Mozart”. So why is this important for us to know? By knowing he exists and that he was such a well known composer we are eliminating the often thought of stigma that comes with classical music in general.
Many people think that classical music was only created by old dead white guys, but in his day Joseph Boulogne was very well know. One of the main reasons that Boulogne is not well know is because of his status as a black composer. In 1803 when Napoleon reinstated slavery most of Boulogne’s works that were being performed at that time were stopped. It was not till the twentieth century when his works started to be played again, and it was not till the 1970’s when his music was actually recorded for people to listen too.
Boulogne was a composer that both black and white people enjoyed listening to in his day and our day is no different. You don’t have to a certain race or age to enjoy classical music, people from all walks of life can listen to and appreciate what classical music has to offer.
To summarize... 'Classical music wasn't just made by old dead white guys. There's also an old dead black guy."
ReplyDeleteI do agree that classical music is some of the most beautiful work ever done, and can be enjoyed by just about anyone. But I'm not sure that the fact that an old dead black guy composed as well, is really going to change peoples minds who don't like classical music very much.
I had no idea! The link to his music on youtube was perfect - that is exactly what I was looking for an the end of the article. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow! I've played his music in Orchestra before, but never known that he was black. Your link also was very helpful as well. Thanks~!
ReplyDeleteJake,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your opinion, the purpose for this blog is not to convince someone in one post to change their opinion. Each of the post's are geared toward a specific audience and when you put them all together they will help to convince people to listen to classical music more.
Jeffrey,
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the link!
Dohyup,
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat that you've played some of his music! He's becoming more well known and more people are playing his music now than ever before.