Arthur Honegger's Napoleon Suite

There has been much writing about the original music score for Abel Gance's Napoleon. Having a strong interest in music, and having studied and performed, I can easily be on the side of French composer, Arthur Honegger, when it has been said, he hated this film. The main reason he probably came to hate it, was the fact Gance's kept re-editing the film, clear up to the night it was premiered. For a composer, that is a nightmare.

This is said to be the only remaining score that exists from that original release. I have read different opinions about it too, but I don't go by other peoples opinions, but how it speaks to me, as a listener. And I must say, I really enjoyed this. I'm looking forward to finding it to add to my collection of classical music.


(This is a recording by the CSR Symphony Orchestra.)

Not seeing any of the film versions, I have read, not much of this is in the current Carl Davis score, but only a touch. If you have seen the film, or have Carl Davis's Napoleon CD, you can hear what parts.

For those going to NAPOLEON in London on November 30th, I thought you like to listen to this score, as well.

Also, here is a good article about the background of this score and the music of Napoleon. (From the Moldehauer Archives at the Library of Congress.)

Carl Davis on creating the music for Napoleon

With NAPOLEON being presented at the Royal Festival Hall this November 30th, 2013 in London, looking back at the special showing of the film in Oakland, California by the San Francisco Silent Film Festival in the spring of 2012.

Here composer Carl Davis talks about creating the music for NAPOLEON during that 2012 presentations. Presented by SFSFF.






Again, only a few seats left for the Kevin Brownlow's restored version on November 30th in London.

Carl Davis on BBC 3 Radio - one week only!

BBC Radio 3 - Carl Davis is one of the guest this week on 'John Mills: Sound of Cinema.' Davis does talk about the coming NAPOLEON event in London at the Royal Festival Hall, on November 30th, 2013.

Davis segment starts at 37:00 minutes and ends at 57:20. You can hear the program for one week only (six days left, from the date of this post).

LINK to BBC PROGRAM

At this post, a few Balcony seats still available for the London November 30th event.

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Also, a good time to look back at the 2012 Napoleon presentation by the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Here is Carl Davis touring the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. If you get a chance, do take in a movie or other program there, sometime. This video provided by the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.

Napoléon is coming to LONDON in NOVEMBER 2013!

NOVEMBER 2013

Abel Gance's 

Napoléon 

Royal Festival Hall
November 30, 2013 - London, England

with Carl Davis and the Philharmonia Orchestra

RARE EVENT! Tickets on sale soon
NOW! and it appears to be nearly sold out for Nov. 30th Check this link for seats still available
(At this update, no word on an added date)

This is the trailer from last year's presentation in Oakland, California.

Check this link at Silent London and watch for more information when available.