Timeline

For centuries Chevalier has had the nickname "The Black Mozart" but as one author wrote that it might be more accurate to call Mozart “The White Chevalier.”

Timeline: Chevalier Part 5 - The White Chevalier

We’ve been exploring the life of Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. It’s now time to address the elephant in the room. Anyone who has studied or listened to the music of Chevalier will know him by a particular nickname, “The Black Mozart” a title given after his death.

The French Revolution proclaimed equality for all, which meant the abolition of slavery and Chevalier was on board. He joined in 1789 and was eventually appointed a colonel of the first corps of light troops in all of Europe that was made up of men of color.

Timeline: Chevalier Part 4 - Revolution

Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a world-renowned fencer, a composer, violinist and conductor in 18th century France. Even with all of his success, there was a limit to what Chevalier was allowed to achieve.

This 1789 illustration of Chevalier de Saint-Georges shows just why he was nicknamed “the god of arms,” being well-versed in many different kinds of physical combat.

Timeline: Chevalier Part 3 - Rising star

This is our third episode exploring the life of 18th Century French composer, violinist and conductor Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. In this episode we’ll dive into the early life of this multi-talented prodigy.

18th century, French composer Chevalier de Saint-Georges was the son of a Senegalese enslaved individual and French aristocrat. This portrait of a young Saint-Georges was created in 1768.

Timeline: Chevalier Part 2 - Dear 'ole dad

Timeline is diving into the life of 18th century, French composer Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. In this episode we'll learn about Chevalier’s parents and especially his aristocratic father.

There’s been recent interest in the music of Classical violinist, conductor and composer, Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Ensembles have been performing and recording his music for the past couple of decades and just last year there was a biopic called Chevalier!

Timeline: Chevalier, reintroducing a Black genius

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was an 18th century French composer, violinist and conductor of mixed race. Why was this talented individual, who was quite well known in his day, all but forgotten in ours?

Timeline: William Grant Still (1895-1978)

William Grant Still was called the "Dean of Afro-American Composers." His career was full of "firsts"; milestones that broke through the racial and social barriers that were so prevalent in the United States.

The ensemble Wild Up used this image as the cover art for their second volume of music devoted to the works of Julius Eastman entitled "Joy Boy."

Timeline: Julius Eastman

Timeline from Vermont Public Classical presents the ten-part series about composer Julius Eastman as one complete podcast episode. Explore the life and legacy of this amazingly talented composer/performer who died penniless and homeless in 1990, but whose work is finally getting the attention it deserves today.

Julius Eastman was a student of all religions and well-versed in may different philosophies. When he walked away from his work, his scores and his belongings after being evicted, he was also walking away from a quote/unquote "normal" life.

Timeline: Julius Eastman Part 10 - The Holy Presence

This is our final episode in our ten-part series on the life, music and legacy of composer Julius Eastman. As we wrap up this discussion we remember Julius Eastman separate from his musical legacy, Eastman the person. And hear some stories told by the people who knew him.

The classical canon heavily favors white, European men. What would it take to "right" the canon and make room for more diverse voices and composers?

Timeline: Julius Eastman Part 9 - Righting the Canon

This is part nine of our ten part series on composer Julius Eastman. The Classical canon is a collection of pieces that are the most often played and studied; sort of like the greatest hits of classical music. It’s a curated list of quote/unquote “important” pieces, composers and works. This curation started in the 19th century and the list heavily favors white, European men. In this episode we'll talk about righting the canon by making room for more diverse voices and composers.

Early in his career, Julius Eastman was a part of several new music ensembles performing the works of other composers, like John Cage.

Timeline: Julius Eastman Part 8 - Songbooks

This is part eight of our ten part series about Julius Eastman; a composer whose work has been experiencing a renaissance lately as a new generation is discovering his individual musical style.