Detailing the volatile relationship between the black violinist George Bridgetower and Beethoven this is a masterful collection Los Angeles Times The son of a white woman and an African Prince George Polgreen Bridgetower 17801860 travels to Vienna to meet badboy genius Ludwig van Beethoven The great composers 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 A New Yorkers A Years Reading Booklist Editors Choice Award