Uploaded February 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
1812 Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conducted by Michael Wang, JE'17
Performed at 'DPops Catches 'Em All' in Battell Chapel on December 16, 2016
––––––––––––
Tchaikovsky's famous 1812 Overture was written in 1880 as a commemoration of Russia's defeat of Napoleon's 1812 invasion. Punctuated by several rounds of cannon fire (which, sadly, we could not use here tonight due to safety regulations), this explosive piece has become one of Tchaikovsky's most recognizable pieces. Beginning with a solemn Russian Hymn, Tchaikovsky interposes brief fanfares, teasing the listener with what is to come. We then hear bursts of the French national anthem alternating with bouts of traditional Russian folk music. This tradeoff is finally overwhelmed by a brass rendition of God Save the Tsar leading into the grand finale with which all of us are familiar. The power of this piece has made it a staple in many grand occasions (including, for some reason, 4th of July celebrations...). It has been an anthem of nationalism as well as an anthem of revolution. We hope you enjoy our rendition of 1812 Overture.
Program notes by Silas Wallen-Friedman
1812 Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conducted by Michael Wang, JE'17
Performed at 'DPops Catches 'Em All' in Battell Chapel on December 16, 2016
––––––––––––
Tchaikovsky's famous 1812 Overture was written in 1880 as a commemoration of Russia's defeat of Napoleon's 1812 invasion. Punctuated by several rounds of cannon fire (which, sadly, we could not use here tonight due to safety regulations), this explosive piece has become one of Tchaikovsky's most recognizable pieces. Beginning with a solemn Russian Hymn, Tchaikovsky interposes brief fanfares, teasing the listener with what is to come. We then hear bursts of the French national anthem alternating with bouts of traditional Russian folk music. This tradeoff is finally overwhelmed by a brass rendition of God Save the Tsar leading into the grand finale with which all of us are familiar. The power of this piece has made it a staple in many grand occasions (including, for some reason, 4th of July celebrations...). It has been an anthem of nationalism as well as an anthem of revolution. We hope you enjoy our rendition of 1812 Overture.
Program notes by Silas Wallen-Friedman
