Rare Music in the Rare Book Room, Friday, 19 February, 4pm, Perkins Library, Biddle Rare Book Room. Limited parking on the quad in front of the Duke Chapel
Reginald Patterson will bring to light the story of the Afro-French historical figure Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1739-1799). Born Joseph Boulogne in Guadeloupe, French West Indies, Saint-Georges was an innovator and the mediator at the crossroads of the music of French Enlightenment. Outstanding with a sword as well as a violin bow, he was an accomplished fencer who led a brigade during the French Revolution.
Saint-Georges is reported to have been the most popular figure in the 18th century, so why is his story lost to us today?
Reginald Patterson will argue in this multimedia lecture/recital that investigating the life and accomplishments of Saint-Georges requires a radical re-positioning of thought on Western classical music as well as a critical debate on its future.
Rare Music is co-sponsored by the Duke University Musical Instrument Collections (DUMIC) and the Duke University Libraries with additional support from the Vice Provost for the Arts, the Carrabina Endowment, Friends of DUMIC, High Strung Violins & Guitars, and VoChor Incorporated.
Guadeloupe Attitude 