LIB405
Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de St. George: His Life, Music and Legacy
Joseph Bologne (1748 - 1799) is one of the most compelling figures in both 18th-century music and French history. Born in the Caribbean to an enslaved African mother and a French plantation owner, Bologne is recognized today as one of the finest violinists and composers in France in the time of Mozart. He was also a Black man with entrée into the highest French society. Known for his swordsmanship and athleticism, Bologne joined the French Revolution and worked to end slavery in the French colonies. We'll explore the unprecedented legacy of his life and music.
Note: The class will begin each week with a live performance of one of Le Chevalier's "Six Sonatas for 2 Violins", by the instructor and a guest violinist.
A $50 discount will be applied automatically for adults 55+.
Overview
Location: Vancouver
Duration: 6 weeks
Tuition: $180
Can be applied to:
Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
- Tue, May 14, 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
- Tue, May 21, 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
- Tue, May 28, 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
- Tue, Jun 4, 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
- Tue, Jun 11, 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
- Tue, Jun 18, 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Pacific Time (class/lecture)
Course outline
- Week 1: Overview
A life bigger than life! We’ll take a broad look at Le Chevalier’s life and consider why he is such a compelling personality. - Week 2: Youth and upbringing
We’ll discuss Bologne’s early years in the French Caribbean colony of Guadaloupe and then his transition to boarding schools in France. - Week 3: The Swordsman
We’ll examine Le Chevalier’s contributions to the art of fencing and his athletic prowess, and their influence on French society. - Week 4: The Musician
Le Chevalier is said to have had an important influence on Mozart and the development of the ‘classical’ style. But how? And with whom did he study? - Week 5: The Revolutionary
We’ll learn how Le Chevalier was integral to the early military success of the French Revolution. - Week 6: The Legacy
Le Chevalier was almost forgotten for two centuries. Why? What is important about his legacy to 18th-century France? What is important about that legacy today?
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Recognize the music of Joseph Bologne and his role in the development of the classical music of the 18th century
- Appreciate the role of Joseph Bologne in the development of inter-racial understanding
- Gain insight into the contributions of this largely forgotten player to the cultural and political movements of 18th-century France, to history and to our world today
How you will learn
- Lectures
- Participation in discussions
- Listening to live music
- Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
- Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Technical Requirements
Handouts and other course resources will be available on Canvas, SFU’s online learning system.
To access the resources, you should be comfortable with:
- Using everyday software such as browsers, email and social media
- Navigating a website by clicking on links and finding pages in a menu
- Downloading and opening PDF documents