〈賢者たち〉Les Mages is a poem by Hugo, the 23rd poem in his sixth volume. In 1852, when Napoleon III established the Second Empire, Hugo, who sympathized with the Republic, opposed the monarchical system and was exiled to Jersey Island in the English Channel. There, he became engrossed in spiritualism, and regardless of the authenticity of the spirits, he reportedly succeeded in summoning the spirits of his deceased daughter, historical great figures, and even Christ. This lengthy poem, dated January 1856, features the names of ancient and modern "sages" whom he successively summoned. Among musicians, Pergolesi, Gluck, Mozart, Beethoven are mentioned, but their styles are not referenced in Ravina's music. The piece begins with mysterious repeated chords in B minor and a lively theme. In the recapitulation, this theme shifts to B major and is sung majestically, concluding with a virtuosic and magnificent coda. Effects are skillfully drawn from four hands, and orchestral colors are prominently featured.