Sword and Bow

A contemporary of Mozart’s (over whom Mozart was reportedly sick with jealousy) and widely considered to be the first known classical composer of African heritage, Joseph Bologne took the 18th century French music scene by storm with his virtuosic violin skills and his prowess with a conductor’s baton. An unparalleled fencer as well (connoisseurs of the art form at the time regarded him as the greatest swordsman in Europe), Bologne put his music ...