1812 Overture in E‑Flat Major

The 1812 Overture is one of the grandest celebrations in the history of music, complete with pealing bells, cannon fire and sometimes even fireworks. Tchaikovsky wrote the piece in 1880 to celebrate the opening of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. The cathedral was being built to commemorate Russia’s victory over the invading French army a generation before in a decisive turning point in the Napoleonic Wars. Tchaikovsky envisaged his work being performed on the square outside, with the cathedral’s new bells rung at its climax. The Overture begins with a gentle hymn, “God Preserve Thy People”, as the Russians pray for deliverance. The invading army is heard in the distance with the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”. This gradually grows louder, but is countered by the defending forces, represented by Russian folk tunes. Five cannon shots are heard as the armies come face to face at the Battle of Borodino. The French are ultimately defeated, and a long passage of descending scales signals their retreat. The victors celebrate in style, and the work’s climax is a joyous rendition of the Russian anthem “God Save the Tsar!” Tchaikovsky pulls out all the stops, and we hear the bells, the cannon, and an additional brass band for good measure.