CHIEFTAINS The
Bonaparte's retreat

CC 20 CD


Claddagh
Irlanda

 

Paddy explains 'Bonaparte's Retreat' as his tone poem inspired by reading about the Irish connection with the French in history: "It's about how the Irish asked for Napoleon's help and then how they went over to help him out with problems we were having with the neighbours".
This musical collage details the rise and fall of Napoleon through Ireland's eyes, beginning with the lament for the flight of the Irish chieftains - 'The Wild Geese' - and ending with Napoleon's exile and the end of the Irish dream for freedom. This is the first Chieftains recording to use a singer, featuring the then 17 year old Dolores Keane (her first recording).

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