| On this day in 1882, audiences heard Tchaikovsky’s exuberant 1812 Overture for the first time. The 15-minute orchestral piece, written by the composer in just six weeks, commemorates the success of the Russian army in defending against Napoleon’s invading troops in 1812, and has since become famous for its bombastic live cannon fire. The overture starts with a soft hymn, standing in for the Russians’ quiet prayers for military success. This is followed by the flamboyant French anthem La Marseillaise, which clashes against Russian folk songs, representing the battles between the two nations. La Marseillaise gradually retreats, and hymnal tunes bring the overture to a close, the Russians’ prayers answered. The piece was commissioned to be performed at the opening of a Moscow cathedral also commemorating the military victory, but construction was slower than expected, and the overture instead made its debut in a tent outside the building instead of the main square before it. Tchaikovsky felt the piece was too theatrical, calling it “very loud and noisy and completely without artistic merit, obviously written without warmth or love.” Ironically, the overture’s pizzazz has been its staying power, as it is widely referenced in pop culture today. – Irene Galea |
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