The French arrive in Moscow to find it burning.
Napoleon leads the retreat out of Russia.
Pictures: Bettmann Archive
Click here to listen to Tchaikovsky’s spectacular “1812 Overture”.
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Best known for its loud bangs and crashes, Tchikovsky’s 1812 Overture is one of the pieces implicated for causing hearing loss (You can read more about that here). Still, it is these loud parts that form the high points of the piece. (I personally LOVE this piece for the cannons. =)
Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write this spectacular piece back in 1880, for the opening of the new Cathedral of Christ the Savior (and the Moscow Exhibition, and the King’s Silver Jubilee, while we’re at it. =) As the Cathedral was designed to commemorate the events of 1812, when Napoleon had been forced to retreat from Moscow, his soldiers worn out by the cold Russian winter. Tchaikovsky made his overture a graphic description of the conflict.
The French are represented by the Marselleise, the Russians by Orthodox Chant and a folksong, and in the final victory, “God Save the Tsar”. And, just to round an already over the top piece, Tchikovsky added a few cannons in the score. Most modern recordings and performances boast real cannonfire.
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The conductor of the first performance was asked what his opinion of the work immediately after the performance. He was believed to have replied “Pardon?”
Listen to the spectacular cannonading of the 1812 Overture, and while you’re at it, find out how it may just be damaging your hearing. =)
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Recommended recording:
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Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture:
A playful rendition of this great piece by the Swingle Singers, along with other pieces, all a cappella.
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