The Chevalier de Saint-George is in many respects an exceptional figure. Born in Guadeloupe in the eighteenth century to an aristocrat and an enslaved woman, he received in Paris the education of a court gentleman: violinist, fencer, Freemason, participant in the Revolution, and conductor, he was also a composer. It is naturally to the violin that he dedicated his finest works, among which the concertos, marked by a virtuosity that is both unbridled and graceful, stand out in particular. Romuald Grimbert-Barr and the Orchestre national de Cannes pay tribute to this extraordinary life by pairing the Op. 5 and Op. 8 concertos with Thierry Pcou’s Concerto Hommage Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George. Through it’s many biographical references, the work offers multiple poetic points of entry into the life of this singular and fascinating figure, who remains far too little known today.

Tracklist:

1. Saint-George:Violin Concerto No. 9 in G Major, Op. 8: I. Allegro
2. Saint-George: Violin Concerto No. 9 in G Major, Op. 8: II. Largo
3. Saint-George: Violin Concerto No. 9 in G Major, Op. 8: III. Rondeau
4. Pcou: Violin Concerto “Hommage A Saint-George”: I. Rixes
5. Pcou: Violin Concerto “Hommage A Saint-George”: II. Padjanbel
6. Pcou: Violin Concerto “Hommage A Saint-George”: III. Rvolutions
7. Saint-George: Violin Concerto in a Major, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Allegro Moderato
8. Saint-George: Violin Concerto in a Major, Op. 5 No. 2: II. Largo
9. Saint-George: Violin Concerto in a Major, Op. 5 No. 2: III. Rondeau

UPC: 5051083228886
Label: Aparte
Release Date: 5.15.26
Format: CD