Spirited melodies and polyphonic themes vividly represent Napoleon's complex life.
Flute (doubling Piccolo)
Oboe
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Bass Clarinet (doubling Bb Contrabass Clarinet)
Eb Alto Saxophone
[Percussion 1] Timpani, Vibraphone, Marimba, Snare Drum, 4 Toms, Kick Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Splash Cymbals, Antique Cymbal, Wind Chime, Anvil
[Percussion 2] Marimba, 4 Toms, Bass Drum, Kick Bass Drum, Tam-tam, Suspended Cymbal, Splash Cymbals, Antique Cymbal, Wind Chime, Whip, Anvil
Commissioned by Tokai University Sugao High School Wind Symphony and premiered at the 44th Tokyo Ensemble Contest in 2020, where they won gold prize.
In 2020, which marked the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, I drew inspiration from Napoleon, who lived during the same era, to create a musical representation of his complex life.
Corsica, Napoleon's birthplace, was in turmoil during that time. The opening of the piece conveys the tension of war. In the middle section, the tempo slows down, introducing polyphonic music. Corsican music is predominantly polyphonic, and this section, with various melodies interwoven, represents their folk music. The scene of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," symbolizes Napoleon's triumphs. Even amidst life-and-death struggles, he fell in love and married (his love letters still exist). A calm section in the middle expresses his love for his wife, followed by a spirited melody. The piece regains its power towards the end, concluding with a crescendo.
Before his death, Napoleon said, "My achievements and glorious history will never be forgotten. They will shine with eternal light."
(Tomohito Matsushita)
