Scena from Ernestine by Joseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Joseph Bologne Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges was an 18th century French composer, virtuoso violinist, and champion fencer. He is known to be the first classical composer of African descent. Check out the "About" page to learn more.

Vocalist, Faye Robinson
Conductor, Paul Freeman
London Symphony Orchestra

Background Image by Guillaume Guillon Lethière, The Death of Camilla

Libretto
Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

(Recitative)
Ernestine, que vas-tu faire?
As-tu bien consulte ton coeur
Au fond de ta retraite austere
Vois l'impuissant regret
L'eternelle douleur s'attacher
A tes pas et combler ton malheur
Cruel amour, cruel honor
D'un sacrifice necessaire cessez
Par vos combats de redouble l'horreur

O Clemangis, lis dans mon ame
Vois ma douleur et mon amour
Hеlas, tout m'afflige en ce jour
Et tout sеmble augmenter ma flame
Pourai je donc vivre sans toi
Non, non jamais le sort barbare
En vain m'en impose la loi
Oui, c'est en vain qu'il nous separe
Toi seul est tout pour moi
Pres d'une amante qui t'adore vient te reunir

Genius
https://genius.com/Joseph-bologne-che...

About the Opera

"Ernestine, Saint-Georges’ first opera, premiered at the Comédie Italiene on July
19, 1777. Based on the novel of the same name by Mme. Riccoboni, née Marie Jeanne
Laboras de Mézièrs written in 1765, tells the story of star-crossed lovers, complications
requiring sacrifices and renunciations by both parties that is eventually resolved by
blessed fate so that the lovers can marry and enjoy a life of perpetual bliss. The libretto
was written primarily by Pierre Choderlos Laclos, an artillery captain and author of the
famous novel, Les Liasons Dangereuses."

Isola Charlayne Jones
(Observations and Insights into the Life and Vocal Work of Joseph Bologne (Chevalier de Saint-Georges))

Read more here
https://keep.lib.asu.edu/_flysystem/f...

Bologne Playlist on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/59k...