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Also by Rita Dove:

Sonata Mulattica, April 2009
Hardcover

Sonata Mulattica
Rita Dove

Poems

W. W. Norton
April 2009
On Sale: April 6, 2009
240 pages
ISBN: 0393070085
EAN: 9780393070088
Hardcover
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Fiction Poetry

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. 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 Jacob

has 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. . . .

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