Joseph Bologne

An 18th-century Afro-French composer, virtuoso violinist, and champion fencer who shattered racial barriers.

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–1799), was a polymath known as the 'Black Mozart'. Born to an enslaved African mother and French colonist father in Guadeloupe, he rose to prominence in Parisian high society. A prodigy in music and fencing, he led the Concerts des Amateurs, Europe’s finest orchestra, and composed operas like 《Ernestine》.

Bologne’s athletic prowess earned him the title ‘Chevalier’ after winning a fencing duel. During the French Revolution, he commanded the Légion St.-Georges, the first all-Black regiment in Europe. Despite racism—Mozart’s librettist Lorenz Da Ponte disparaged him as a 'mulatto'—his works, including 12 violin concertos, influenced classical music.

Rediscovered in the 21st century, his story inspired the 2022 film 《Chevalier》, reigniting interest in his trailblazing life.