Kingdom of Navarre
Summary
This composition recounts the royal history of the Spanish village of Artajona, which briefly became an independent kingdom from 1153 to 1158 before rejoining the Kingdom of Navarre. The piece opens with a majestic introduction, echoing the past, and incorporates the Gregorian theme “Te Deum Laudamus” to honor two notable bishops from Artajona. The middle movement reflects the hardships of the Middle Ages, followed by traditional Spanish music. The work concludes with the hymn of Navarre and the return of the royal theme, celebrating Navarre’s history.
About Kingdom of Navarre
This work describes the royal history of the Spanish village of Artajona, that became an independent kingdom between 1153 and 1158. When this kingdom ended, the villages that formed it were reintegrated into the Kingdom of Navarre. In the majestic introduction of the composition, echoes of the past kingdom of Artajona ring out. In the distance, the bells of its famous bell tower can be heard.
The fast and determined tempo that follows the introduction incorporates the Gregorian theme “Te deum laudamus” (We praise thee, O God), in reference to Pedro de París and Lope de Artajona, two famous bishops from Artajona. The middle movement is slower and speaks of the difficult times of the Middle Ages, when many people suffered from wars and famine. This is followed by popular music with an optional role for traditional Spanish double reed folk instruments.
The composition features the hymn of Navarre. The royal theme of the introduction returns at the conclusion, and once again we hear the bells of Artajona – this time loud and clear-to honour Navarre and remember its royal past.
This work was commissioned by Banda de Artajona, Navarre (Spain). “The world premiere that I conducted in the city of Pamplona was received with great jubilation. One of the visitors told me after the performance that I had touched the soul of Navarra. I experienced that as the best compliment imaginable. It has become a work full of emotion and it is a joy to conduct it.”
Performance Note
From bar 119 onward, traditional double reed instruments, the gaita navarra or the dulzaina, can be used. These can be found in the oboe part, and provide the performance of the composition with extra character.
An audio file of the bells of Artajona can be downloaded as an attachment on the order page. The first 2 times they should sound softly, in the final part at full power.