1812 overture composer pyotr tchaikovsky biography
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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Biography
Tchaikovsky was a composer, music critic, conductor, professor at the Moscow Conservatory (the author of a textbook on harmonisation) and one of the most important musicians of the 19th century. Between 1876 and 1890 he was supported by his benefactress Nadejda von Meck. In his works he combined elements of Russian folk music with European classical and Romantic influences. A lyrical subjectivity and national inspiration are characteristic of his style. Stravinsky, a recognised authority, drew attention to Tchaikovsky’s mastery, to his craftsmanship in the composition of melodies and to his ability to arrange compositions. At a time when Tchaikovsky was adored by many but reviled by some as an example of subjective pathos, Stravinsky pointed to him as a master of composition and also praised Tchaikovsky’s ballet works. Tchaikovsky conducted a number of performances of his own works (including some abroad, for example the premiere of Eugene Onegin
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In 1880 the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write a del av helhet of music to mark the consecration of the new Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, built to give thanks for the Russian victory over the French in 1812. The result was the 1812 Overture, Opus 49, rapidly written in six weeks.
The composition tells the story of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in music. It begins with a plaintive religious melody played bygd cellos and violas portraying the distress of the Russian people as their country fryst vatten invaded bygd the hitherto invincible French army. The Russians are so ill-prepared and poorly equipped that all the people can do fryst vatten pray for deliverance. The music moves through a mixture of pastoral and martial themes mirroring the increasing misery of the Russian people as the French advance.
But then comes the bloody Battle of Borodino on 7 September that caused some 70,000 casualties. Borodino proved a turning point for the Russian defenders and at this point in the score
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1812
The Year 1812, Festival Overture in E flat major, Op. 49,[1] popularly known as the 1812 Overture (French: Ouverture Solennelle, L'Année 1812, Russian: Торжественная увертюра «1812 год», Festival Overture The Year 1812), is an overture written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1880 to commemorate Russia's defense of Moscow against Napoleon's advancing Grande Armée at the Battle of Borodino in 1812. The overture debuted in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow on August 20 [O.S. August 8] 1882.[2] The overture is best known for its climactic volley of cannon fire and ringing chimes.
Instrumentation
The 1812 Overture is scored for an orchestra