Bonaparte’s Retreat (The Chieftains 6)
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Bonaparte’s Retreat (The Chieftains 6)

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).

Track Listing

  1. The Chattering Magpie
  2. An Chéad Mháirt den Fhomhar (The First Tuesday of Autumn)
    Green Grow the Rushes O
  3. Bonaparte’s Retreat
  4. Away With Ye
  5. Caledonia
  6. Iníon Nic Diarmada (Miss Mac Dermott)
    or The Princess Royal, Máire Dhall (Blind Mary), John Drury
  7. The Rights of Man
  8. Round the House and Mind the Dresser