1812 Overture (14:30)

Cover of 101 Famous Classical Masterpieces Volume 5

From 101 Famous Classical Masterpieces Volume 5 and 4 other releases

The Year 1812, Festival overture in E flat major, Op. 49, popularly known as the 1812 Overture (Russian: Торжественная увертюра 1812-ого года) is a classical overture written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1880. The piece was written to commemorate Russia’s defense of Moscow against Napoleon’s advancing Grande Armée at the Battle of Borodino in 1812. The Overture debuted in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow on August 20, 1882 (in the Gregorian or NS calendar; the date in the Julian or OS calendar was August 8). The overture is best known for its climactic volley of cannon fire and ringing chimes.

On his 1891 visit to the United States, Tchaikovsky conducted the piece at the dedication of Carnegie Hall in New York City. While this piece has no connection with United States history, it is often a staple at Fourth of July celebrations, such as the annual show by the Boston Pops and at Washington DC’s annual program called A Capitol Fourth.

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  • GreggWH

    One of a my all time favourites, possibly the best finale for any piece ever.

    13 May 7:56pm Reply
  • Klueverbaum

    great version!

    14 Apr 1:53pm Reply
  • lost_in_last_fm

    I've heard this one many times but I didn't know it was Tchaikovsky. Good stuff.

    13 Feb 9:00am Reply
  • dark_l_h

    so exciting and lively! magnificent!

    11 Jan 9:41am Reply
  • AlmightyB

    I'm listening to this at 18:12 *claps childishly* This is wonderful though, the piece really brought me into classical.

    9 Jan 6:13pm Reply
  • headey

    Different versions have played here. 130106 14:30incl 5sec silence -good version.

    6 Jan 10:06pm Reply
  • JackJones17

    remember remember the fifth of november!

    16 Dec 2012 Reply
  • solomanschaber

    kick ass!

    2 Nov 2012 Reply
  • jamesdipaolo

    AMMMAAZINGGG!!!

    29 Oct 2012 Reply
  • kelllymary

    also. it's almost the fifth everyone! :]

    23 Oct 2012 Reply
  • kelllymary

    never in a million years did i think i'd like classical music... but. this is.... "________". amazing. better than amazing. there are no words.

    23 Oct 2012 Reply
  • Schwarzohr

    Der Mann ist ein GOTT!!!

    10 Oct 2012 Reply
  • muulupp

    fuck napoleon

    2 Oct 2012 Reply
  • Michael55345

    Tchaikovsky is the composer that brought me to Classical music and even after listening to particular piece countless times in my life, it never - unlike just about anything by Led Zepplin, The Rolling Stones and The Eagles - loses anything or sounds less than it did the first time I heard it.

    31 Jul 2012 Reply
  • xtwntraphq

    I reflect those words siwalangren :)

    7 Jul 2012 Reply
  • blacksnapper

    wow. as amazing as it ever was. really takes me back...

    25 Jun 2012 Reply
  • tazx0

    Jesus, Words can not describe how incredible this music is. This Piece of music is the reason I began listening to classical music.

    17 Jun 2012 Reply
  • siwalangren

    very impressive music, i even drop some tears when i listened to it

    11 Jun 2012 Reply
  • Chocklad9

    epic.

    21 May 2012 Reply
  • xtwntraphq

    A MASTERPIECE beyond MASTERPIECES !!!

    18 May 2012 Reply
  • All 339 shouts

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