Napoléon Coste

Claude Antoine Jean Georges Napoléon Coste (June 27, 1805 – January 14, 1883) was a French guitarist and composer.

Napoléon Coste was born in Amondans (Doubs), France, near Besançon. He was first taught the guitar by his mother, an accomplished player. As a teenager he became a teacher of the instrument and appeared in many concerts in the Franche-Comté. In 1829, at the age of 24, he moved to Paris where he studied under Fernando Sor and quickly established himself as the leading French virtuoso guitarist. However, the demand for guitarists was in decline and, though his brilliance provided financial stability, he failed to find a publisher for his music. As such, he had to fund its publication himself.

"Barcarolle" (Op. 51 No. 1) is a folk song sung by Venetian gondoliers, or a piece of music composed in that style..." This piece is quite famous and his composing ability beyond question, but when Napoleon Coste fell and broke his arm it put paid to a promising career as a guitarist that may have led to great heights. It didn't, however, stop him from composing some more very fine pieces that are only now, in modern times, being appreciated.

Although this work was originally written for Guitar, I created this arrangement for Folk or Concert (Pedal) Harp.