Self-Portrait with Chevalier(2024)
for VIOLIN & Piano
Duration: 9 minutes
Premiere: March 24, 2024, Michael Jorgensen and Steve Beck, Lehigh University
Self-portrait with Chevalier is a duet for violin and piano that reimagines the main theme from Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Violin Concerto Op. 7 No. 3 in B-flat major. Structured as loosely connected variations, the piece explores a range of expressive, virtuosic, and playful interactions between the instruments. My aim was to blend my own compositional voice with Chevalier’s distinctive style, creating a musical dialogue that bridges the past and present of Black classical music. This work pays homage to Chevalier’s legacy while also incorporating contemporary elements associated with Black music. Commissioned by violinist Michael Jorgensen, the piece is part of his initiative honoring Chevalier and the Black composers who followed. The work was made possible through the generous support of Lehigh University.