Sonata Mulattica Poems Author:Rita Dove 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 Beethove... more »n. 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. . . .« less