The Resume

(December 25, 1745-June 9, 1799)
Birth name was Joseph Boulogne
Raised in France
Wrote violin concertos, sinfonias concertante, string quartets, sonatas, and symphonies
Music director for the court of Marie Antoinette
One of the only composers of African descent to achieve success before the 20th Century
Sometimes called 'the black Mozart'

Why he might be annoying:

He was a dandy who wore the fanciest, most colorful clothes he could find.
When the French Revolution broke out, he gave up music to join the Republican Army.
When a friend confided in him that he supported the monarchy, Saint-Georges turned him in.
He lost his military command and went to prison after being accused of embezzling from the army treasury.

Why he might not be annoying:

He was the first and only classical composer to be born a slave.
King Louis XVI gave him the directorship of the Paris Opera, but the singers refused to be 'subjected to the orders of a mulatto.'
He joined the Revolution thinking it would end racism in France (it didn't).
He was an accomplished soldier, rising to the rank of Colonel.
The embezzlement charges brought against him were proven false (too late, alas).
He was an excellent swordsman.
On a dare, he once swam the Seine with one arm tied behind his back.

Credit: Wieland Kalligaro

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• Born on Christmas Day [December 25th] (Ranked: 1745)
• Fiddlers
• I am a Citizen of France
• I was a Slave
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• Opera Singers and Composers
• Powdered Wig Wearers
• Profiles 11501-11750 (Ranked: 11531)
• Served in the French Revolution
• Sissies
• Wieland Kalligaro's Profiles [Series 2]

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 13 Votes: 69.23% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 7 Votes: 85.71% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 73 Votes: 57.53% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 9 Votes: 77.78% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 6 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 45 Votes: 64.44% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 144 Votes: 47.22% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 20 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 186 Votes: 72.58% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 41 Votes: 65.85% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 69 Votes: 65.22% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 56 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 55 Votes: 50.91% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 107 Votes: 59.81% Annoying
In 2006, Out of 138 Votes: 53.62% Annoying
In 2005, Out of 237 Votes: 53.16% Annoying
In 2004, Out of 159 Votes: 39.62% Annoying