Exploring The Life Of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, The 'Black Mozart'

Joseph Boulogne, known as Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was one of the most popular men in 18th century Europe.

Saint-Georges was a champion fencer, military officer, composer, virtuoso violinist and conductor of a leading Paris symphony of the time. He was also black.

His music is often compared to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s, which is how he became known as the “Black Mozart.”

But the comparison between the two composers is off, says Bill Barclay, director of music at Shakespeare's Globe. “Chevalier was unfairly called the ‘Black Mozart,’ it should really be in many cases Mozart who should be called the ‘White Chevalier,’ ” Barclay says.

Mozart happened to live under Saint-Georges’ roof in 1778 during some of his darkest days, Barclay explains.

“The Chevalier, this artist of color, has all the power and panache and aplomb that Parisian society can offer,” he says, “And Mozart is the one who needs his help.”