Synopses & Reviews
The son of a white woman and an 'African Prince,' George Polgreen Bridgetower (1780 — 1860) travels to Vienna to meet 'bad-boy' genius Ludwig van Beethoven. The great composer"s subsequent sonata is originally dedicated to the young mulatto, but George, exuberant with acclaim, offends Beethoven over a woman. From this crucial encounter evolves a grandiose yet melancholy poetic tale.
from 'Vienna Spring'
though dipped in ink, this Jacobhas grappled the shining messenger
for a glimpse of heaven
and won the battle: entirely master
of his instrument, he climbs the strings
agile as the monkeys from his father"s land.
Ah, Immortality has a new-wrought
human face. . . .
Synopsis
In a book-length lyric narrative inspired by history and imagination, a much celebrated poet re-creates the life of a nineteenth-century virtuoso violinist.
Synopsis
Detailing the volatile relationship between the black violinist George Bridgetower and Beethoven, this is a "masterful collection" (Los Angeles Times).
Synopsis
The son of a white woman and an "African Prince," George Polgreen Bridgetower (1780-1860) travels to Vienna to meet "bad-boy" genius Ludwig van Beethoven. The great composer's subsequent sonata is originally dedicated to the young mulatto, but George, exuberant with acclaim, offends Beethoven over a woman. From this crucial encounter evolves a grandiose yet melancholy poetic tale.
About the Author
Rita Dove, former U.S. Poet Laureate, Pulitzer Prize winner, and musician, lives in Charlottesville, where she is Commonwealth Professor of English at the University of Virginia.