On August 20, 1882 Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuted in Moscow.
According to Wikipedia, it was written "to commemorate the successful Russian defense against Napoleon I's invading Grande Armée in 1812". It is one of Tchaikovsky's best known works, but he disliked the piece, saying it was “very loud and noisy and completely without artistic merit, obviously written without warmth or love.”
I don't think a fireworks display is complete until the Overture finale plays, because the cannons are a great complement to the flashes of light in the sky. The Internet is full of videos of the composition, from serious compositions to popular performers, flash mobs, and one of my favorites, where Yakko, Wakko, and Dot Warner of the Animaniacs cause havoc with cannons.
I've always loved the overture.
ReplyDeleteNormally, every year, they have a 4th of July concert in Francis Park in the city. A reenactment group brings cannons.
ReplyDeleteThat would be interesting to watch.
DeleteI try and remind you next year... HA! That's way too far away.
DeleteThanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteTook me back a bit. Love the Overture.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! It's hard to imagine fireworks without that overture.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteThat is a good one!
ReplyDeleteThe Cleveland Orchestra was scheduled to perform the 1812 at Blossom Music Center last night, Four of my grands went and sat in the grass until a monster rain storm routed them. I don't know what happened to the 1812, though I suspect the Orchestra played it, with cannons. Thoroughly professional.
ReplyDeleteHow sad that a nice night out had to be ruined by weather.
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