"Bonaparte's Retreat" (from Hick Edmonds) - Old-Time Fiddle

Here's a rare version of "Bonaparte's Retreat" that comes from Hick Edmonds (1914 - 2008) of Smyth County, Virginia, who taught it directly to Shay Garriock and Mac Traynham, here's a link to their version.
   • Bonaparte\'s Retreat  

Tuning is CCGC


Here's some brief History of Napoleon Bonaparte according to Wikipedia.

Napoleon Bonaparte (born August 15, 1769 – May 5, 1821), later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a French military commander and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. He was the leader of the French Republic as First Consul from 1799 to 1804, then of the French Empire as Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814, and briefly again in 1815. Napoleon's political and cultural legacy endures as a celebrated and controversial leader. He initiated many liberal reforms that have persisted through the years, and is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. His campaigns are still studied at military academies worldwide. Between three and six million soldiers and civilians died in the Napoleonic Wars.

This tune was written after Napoleon's defeat at The Battle of Waterloo, Belgium in June 18, 1815, and was later carried across the Atlantic Ocean to the USA by Scots-Irish Immigrants. The tune was passed on generation after generation in the Appalachian Mountains where many immigrants settled, and the tune has slowly evolved from one version to another, most of the versions are played in the traditional tuning.

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