OVERTURE TO "L'AMANT ANONYME"
BY JOSEPH BOLOGNE, CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES
Joseph Bologne (1745-1799) was born in the commune of Baillif, located on the island of Guadeloupe, an overseas region and department of France located in the Lesser Antilles. After relocating to France in 1953 with his father, George, Bologne became a pupil of Nicolas Texier de La Boëssière, a master of arms, and excelled in all physical exercises, especially fencing. While still a student, he defeated Alexandre Picard, a fencing master from Rouen and upon graduation, at 19, he became a member of the Gendarme de la Garde du Roi and was dubbed ‘Chevalier de Saint-Georges.’
Throughout his life, Bologne was regarded as one of the finest musicians in Europe and was a composer, violinist, and conductor in the court of Marie Antoinette. He was good-looking, highly favored by the Queen, and something of a local celebrity. Former US President John Adams referred to Bologne as “the most accomplished man in Europe.”
"L'Amant Anonyme" (The Anonymous Lover) tells the story of Léontine, a beautiful young widow who has become disillusioned with love. Much to her surprise, she receives a steady stream of letters and gifts from an unknown man professing his undying passion. This amuses her friend Valcour, who also claims to have no interest in romance. But now, after hiding his true feelings for years, Valcour works up the courage to reveal that he himself is the devoted secret admirer. Will his (inevitably awkward) confession sway a woman sworn to resist all affairs of the heart?
The Overture to this opera is also known as his “Symphony No. 2, op. 11”.
This transcription has been completed by arrangement with Opera Ritrovata in conjunction with the publishers, copyright owners, and editors: George N. Gianopoulos, Stephen Karr, Leila Núñez-Fredell, and Mishkar Núñez-Fredell.
The premiere was given on June 17, 2022, by the Maryland Chamber Winds, Dr. Tyler Austin, conducting.
Throughout his life, Bologne was regarded as one of the finest musicians in Europe and was a composer, violinist, and conductor in the court of Marie Antoinette. He was good-looking, highly favored by the Queen, and something of a local celebrity. Former US President John Adams referred to Bologne as “the most accomplished man in Europe.”
"L'Amant Anonyme" (The Anonymous Lover) tells the story of Léontine, a beautiful young widow who has become disillusioned with love. Much to her surprise, she receives a steady stream of letters and gifts from an unknown man professing his undying passion. This amuses her friend Valcour, who also claims to have no interest in romance. But now, after hiding his true feelings for years, Valcour works up the courage to reveal that he himself is the devoted secret admirer. Will his (inevitably awkward) confession sway a woman sworn to resist all affairs of the heart?
The Overture to this opera is also known as his “Symphony No. 2, op. 11”.
This transcription has been completed by arrangement with Opera Ritrovata in conjunction with the publishers, copyright owners, and editors: George N. Gianopoulos, Stephen Karr, Leila Núñez-Fredell, and Mishkar Núñez-Fredell.
The premiere was given on June 17, 2022, by the Maryland Chamber Winds, Dr. Tyler Austin, conducting.