1812 Overture

I think most of you would not be strange to 1812 Overture, though you don’t really remember the rhythms, and can hardly match it with its name. However, you must heard 1812 Overture because we read a least a little of the background and general knowledge about this music piece in the high school history class. It can be a masterpiece and even represent to Russia remarkably.

Aout the Composer
1812 Overture was composed by a patriotic composer, Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), who was the greatest musician in Russian history; in addition, 1812 Overture may be the most famous work of Tchaikovsky besides his ballet Swan Lake. Furthermore, it takes approximately 17 minutes to make the complete performance. But, why did Tchaikovsky entitle it 1812? What is special in this name? And, what happened in 1812? It was the composer, Tchaikovsky, tried to tell us through the music. Each rhythm and note in the music sheets stands for a story in his country, and the image of Russia.

Take a look at this film~
(Part 1)


(Part 2)


Avout the Music
The whole piece of music is based on Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812, when the French army struck Moscow. In the beginning, the violin accompanied with other strings and woodwinds make a great harmony, which help the audience form a vivid image of the pastoral lives in a wide plain in the north of Asia. Little by little, the picture emerge in your mind, which is so peaceful with the slow-paced music. After the soft part that depict the beauty of this country, the French army comes and it turns to be heavy and noisy since all the brass and percussion joined in order to present the feeling of excitement, invasion and rapid movement in the battle field. Nevertheless, the whole piece end up in the victory of Russia and the failure of the French army. It is the place that Tchaikovsky use La Marseillaise, the national anthem of France, together with the sound of cannoballs to symbolize the retreat of French army. In this part, an symphonic orchestra use a military band to enhance the power and the strength, and in the end chimes and bell ring, which means the Russian people all gather before the cathedral to celebrate the victory of Russia.