Joseph Boulogne (1745-1799), was a black violin virtuoso, swordsman, equestrian, composer and conductor who was an important musical figure in Paris during the second half of the eighteenth century.  He wrote music similar in style to his contemporaries W.A. Mozart and J. Haydn.  He was also known as le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.  Marie-Antoinette was very fond of his music.

Here is a recording of Joseph Boulogne’s Violin Concerto in D Major.  It is performed by the renowned early music ensemble Tafelmusik.  The violin soloist is Linda Melsted. This recording is from a DVD and CD set entitled “Le Mozart Noir, The Life and Music of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint Georges.” The first audio file is the first movement of the concerto.  The second audio file is the 2nd and 3rd movements of the concerto.