Joseph Bologne

About

Known as the first classical composer of African descent. He composed numerous string quartets, violin concertos, and operas. He composed a dual symphony, "Deux Symphonies à plusieurs instruments, Op. XI, No. 1 in G and No. 2 in D."

Before Fame

After being sent to a French boarding school at age 7, he moved in with his father to the St. Germain neighborhood of Paris. 

Trivia

He is often referred to as the Black Mozart.

Family Life

He grew up on the West Indian island of Guadeloupe. He was the son of wealthy plantation owner Georges de Bologne Saint-Georges and Anne Nanon. 

Associated With

He is a member of the canon of classical composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach.