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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuts in Moscow20.8.1882
The Year 1812 (festival overture in E♭ major, Op. 49), popularly known as the 1812 Overture or the Overture of 1812, is an overture written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1880 to commemorate Russia's defense of its motherland against Napoleon's invading Grande Armée in 1812. It has also become a common accompaniment to fireworks displays, including those which occur in the United States in association with its Fourth of July celebrations. The piece has no connection to the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain, but was personally conducted by Tchaikovsky in 1891 at the opening of Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The overture debuted in Moscow on 20 August 1882, conducted by Ippolit Al'tani under a tent near the unfinished Cathedral of Christ the Saviour which also memorialized the 1812 defense of Russia The overture is best known for its climactic volley of cannon fire, ringing chimes, and brass fanfare finale.
