1812 Overture

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) wrote his 1812 Overture in 1882 to celebrate the completion of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, built to commemorate Russia’s defeat of Napoleon’s forces in 1812. Thus, the work celebrates victory over an invading foreign power and resistance over imperialism. Although Tchaikovsky wasn’t altogether convinced by the piece, the 1812 Overture has proved itself an essential element of countless musical festivities.