A Mulatto Song - ACE330.2

Violinist playing Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, the Kreutzer Sonata (1802). The young George Bridgetower walking with his father in Bath. His VO talking about coming to Britain in 1789. Male dancer dressed as slave in loincloth and irons. Bridgetower senior introduces himself as a former page to Prince Esterházy, and says that his son was tutored by Joseph Haydn. VO describing the reception accorded "the Black Prince" and his playing. Edmund Reid, Lead Violin, English National Opera, talks about Bridgetower’s early life and career, and explains that the Kreutzer Sonata was originally dedicated to him but that Beethoven changed his mind after a quarrel. Man eating dinner. VO reading letter from Bridgetower. Reid talking about the music qualities of the Kreuzer Sonata. Bridgetower playing. Reid on the difficulty of double-stopping the chords. Bridgetower. Reid and violinist. The slave dancing. The young Bridgetower and his father arguing about how many concerts he’s to play. VO talking about being exploited by his father. Bridgetower playing. VO talking about his father’s temper. Bridgetower senior getting angry with Dr Arne about engagements and fees. The slave. Young Bridgetower with the Prince of Wales. VO talks about him being a patron of the arts, "a devourer of the exotic", and about forgetting his father. Young Bridgetower playing for the Prince. The slave. Bridgetower senior reads letter from the Prince of Wales on fees. Slave. Sonata heard over. George runs away from his father. Bridgetower writing music for Henry, A Ballad (c.1812), dedicated to Queen Caroline. VO says he never heard again from his father. Bridgetower. Crypt. Henry sung over. Bridgetower playing. His tombstone. Credits.