I am not to cultured in arts or music. Though playing name that tune on this one would not be difficult. It was from the late 1800’s but its played so much most of us have heard it from time to time. It ends with an uplifting spirit. Now its even a favorite on the fourth of July.

I heard a live performance of it and it is something to hear. I went to a concert and it was the last thing they played. And it comes complete with sound effects, where possible. It was composed by Tchaikovsky in 1880s titled 1812 Overature, as a tribute to the victory over Napolean’s invasion of Russia. So many associate it with the American revolution. The context is interesting.

Just to briefly explain it, Napolean was undefeated and invaded Russia heading for Moscow in September, 1812. Russians knew they did not have adequate troops or resistence. Word was sent out to pray and ask for God’s inervention and for peace. The people left Moscow and burned most of it, leaving no supplies for Napolean. Finally a freeze came and froze French artillary, co-opted by the Russian army, as Napolean’s army fled. Napolean had abandoned the army before the worst. It was a long miserable retreat for the remaining Grande Army.

My point is they petitioned God for help, and they were blessed with an unpredictable victory.

The Tsar Alexander II commisoned the piece by Tchaikovsky in 1880 for his 25th anniversary and celebrate the Cathedral opening in Moscow with a commerative ceremony. But in March 1881 Alexander II was assasinated.

What made it even better was hearing it by the Military Academy Band at West Point. Throughout the concert they fired nearby cannons. That rattles your bones. And then fireworks.
USMA buggles audio clip 

Well, the music has had a history of its own.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1812_Overture

https://www.facebook.com/WestPointUSMA (always looking for ‘likes’)
http://www.invincibleczars.com/