Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture, Op. 49 (with Score)

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The Year 1812 Festival Overture in E-flat major, Op. 49, TH 49, ČW 46 (with Score) Composed: 1880 Conductor: Herbert von Karajan Orchestra: The Philharmonia Orchestra 00:00 Largo (E-flat major) 04:25 Andante (E-flat major) 05:32 Allegro giusto (E-flat minor) 14:48 Largo (E-flat major) 16:13 Allegro vivace (E-flat major) The Year 1812 Solemn Overture, festival overture in E♭ major, Op. 49, popularly known as the 1812 Overture is a concert overture written in 1880 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to commemorate the successful Russian defense against Napoleon's invading Grande Armée in 1812. The overture debuted in Moscow on August 20, 1882 conducted by Ippolit Al'tani under a tent near the then-unfinished Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which also memorialized the 1812 defense of Russia. Tchaikovsky himself conducted another performance at the dedication of Carnegie Hall in New York City. That was one of the first times a major European composer visited the United States. The 15 minute overture is best known for its climactic volley of cannon fire, ringing chimes, and brass fanfare finale. It has also become a common accompaniment to fireworks displays on the United States' Independence Day. The 1812 Overture went on to become one of Tchaikovsky's most popular works, along with his ballet scores to The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake.