Ep. 36 - CHEVALIER
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George in CHEVALIER, a film by Stephen Williams. Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures
“Saint-George was already well established as Europe’s greatest fencer, and as you know, a leading violinist in France...when Mozart was just trying to establish his career. ”
In episode 36 JULIAN LEDFORD, Assistant Professor of French and French Studies at The University of the South, brings to life the historical Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George. Chevalier de Saint-George’s life is dramatized in the film CHEVALIER (2022) with Kelvin Harrison Junior in the title role. Ledford shines the light on the many accomplishments and provides the social and cultural context in which Chevalier de Saint-George was acclaimed, including his transcendence of France’s racial codes in the 18th century.
Program Note: After consultation with our guest, Julian Ledford, about the various spellings of the composer’s name in numerous resources, we’ve settled on “Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George” as the spelling for the podcast descriptions and promotion.
Guest: JULIAN LEDFORD
Julian Ledford is Assistant Professor of French and French Studies at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Professor Ledford specializes in early-modern French and Francophone literature with a particular focus on Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George, and 18th-century women writers's contributions to discussions on masculinities.
Professor Ledford’s additional research interests include ethnic, racial, and sexual alterity in the early 18th century; French Baroque opera; and second language teaching and learning. Professor Ledford’s article “Joseph Boulogne, the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Problem With Black Mozart” appeared in the Journal of Black Studies in 2019.
Connect with Julian Ledford: webpage
CHEVALIER
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George’s life story is the inspiration for the film CHEVALIER (2022) featuring Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the title role.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1745-1799) was born in Guadeloupe, the son of a wealthy white plantation owner and an enslaved African woman. CHEVALIER highlights Joseph Bologne’s improbable rise in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer, horseman, and fencer. Saint-George is bestowed the title of Chevalier by the French Royal Court and is a favorite of Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton).
As in real life Chevalier de Saint-George becomes involved with many Paris society women, and has an ill-fated love affair with a talented singer, Marie Josephine (Samara Weaving). His mother, Nanon (Ronke Adekoluejo), arrives in Paris, reminding her son about the capriciousness of his lifestyle and associations, especially with regard to his racial identity. A falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court, spurred by Paris Opera star La Guimard (Minnie Driver), puts Saint George’s social status and musical career in a precarious situation. He must find a new path for himself and music at a critical time that will ultimately determine France’s social and political future.
CHEVALIER is directed by Stephen Williams with screenplay by Stefani Robinson. The film will be available for streaming starting June 16, 2023. Do a search for streaming services and fees.
Julian Ledford’s selection for a Listening Party - aria from Saint-George’s first opera, “Ernestine”
The opera “Ernestine” was written by Saint-George in 1777 with libretto by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos who also wrote the 1792 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses or “Dangerious Liaisons” the inspiration for the play by Christopher Hampton (1985), two feature films (1988, 1989) and a television series (2022). “Ernestine” premiered at the Comédie-Italienne for only one performance before it closed. Saint-George’s music received praise. De Laclos’s libretto was a flop.
VIOLIN CONCERTOS BY SAINT-GEORGE
Listen to the CHEVALIER motion picture soundtrack on Spotify featuring original music by Kristopher Bowers (GREEN BOOK, KING RICHARD, BRIDGERTON, WHEN THEY SEE US), and Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-George.