How a rousing Russian tune took over our July 4th

Pittsburgh Post Gazette ^ | 7/4/2003 | Andrew Druckenbrod

[Borges]

Cookouts, fireworks and the "1812 Overture." On the Fourth of July, we hold these truths to be self-evidently American, right?

Don't light the cannon fuses just yet.

The "1812 Overture" may be an American tradition, with its patriotic strains and thunderous battery. But while orchestras across the land, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra tonight at Point State Park, will perform it with clanging bells and cannon fire, the music could hardly be any more distant from the Stars and Stripes.

That's because the overture, written by famed composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, depicts Napoleon's retreat from Russia in 1812, not America's battles against the British, as many might think.

[Borges]

Ten year old article but still relevant.

[Borges]

Classical Ping

[Ramius]

Cuz it’s got cannons in it. That’s why. :-)

Cannons don’t usually get to do a solo with orchestra.

[DManA]

I have a fevah and the only prescription is more cannon.

[the OlLine Rebel]

I always thought it was for the so-called War of 1812, which is now 200 years past and just as appropriate. Big fan of the Rev, but we need to pay more heed to the 2nd war for independence, too. And Baltimore’s defense against the invading Brits is nothing less than astounding. There really should be a celebration for that.

[mylife]

Big whoop.
PDQ Bach uses canons, guns,whistles,vacuum cleaners....

[Olog-hai]

Did the media do a “memory hole” thing again? I’ve never heard of the 1812 Overture being associated with the 4^th of July.

[arbitrary.squid]

They play it because it’s fun and loud and what more appropriate day to play something fun and loud.

I’m all for exposing more of the masses to classical music by any means possible, so this is good by me.

[Billthedrill]

I haven’t either. Maybe in Pittsburgh. Now, “Stars And Stripes Forever,” yeah, that one is muscle memory by now.

[mc5cents]

It not only has cannons it has real big cow bells! What could better than that? More cow bell? You got it!

[Dahoser]

I’m with you. This is looking for an issue where this isn’t one. From the title, you would have thought it was the Soviet national anthem being played.

[Sirius Lee]

Borodin's "Prince Igor" Overture sounds like the soundtrack for a 1940's Western. At least once it gets to the allegro.

For Independence Day I think we should make Rhapsody in Blue the traditional 4th finale.

[katana]

It may be relevant to point out that "Russian" does not equate to "Soviet". Seventy plus years of despising, with good reason, the Soviet Evil Empire and the gang of homicidal thugs who ran the country for the better part of the twentieth century sometimes puts a stigma on anything Russian. Even the brilliant music of 19th century composers like Tchaikovsky.

Besides, other than the Star Spangled Banner what piece of music goes so well with the sound of cannon fire?

[mc5cents]

And Spike Jones used that an more! :-)

[Borges]

The 1812 is played on Fourth celebrations by the Chicago Symphony and the Boston Pops among many others.

[Olog-hai]

That’s interesting. How long have they done it, collectively speaking? The piece of music in question just is never part of my 4^th; many others are, and those being US-themed.

[Borges]

As long as I can remember. The article suggests it really got going in the 1970s.

http://www.latinospost.com/articles/22845/20130704/4h-july-2013-boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular-concert-events-time.htm

[reg45]

The 1812 Overture celebrates the expulsion of a foreign invader from the homeland. That makes it a very good piece of music.

[kenmcg]

What a scenario......Obamas leaving office for the last time and the Army or Marine Corps band breaks out with the 1812 Overture.

[mylife]

In 1916 The USA entered into production of 3.3 million rifles for Russia.
We were not always enemy’s to be sure.