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What Are You Listening To?


ICTChris

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1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky, version with magnificent choral element.

Bonus paintings through the video depicting the story of the music, Napolean's invasion of and retreat from Russia.

Quote

The piece begins with the simple, plaintive Russian melody of the Eastern Orthodox hymn of the Holy Cross (also known as "O Lord, Save Thy People") played by four cellos and two violas.[23] This represents the Russian people praying for a swift conclusion to the invasion. Then, the French National anthem, La Marseillaise, is heard, representing the invading French army.[24]

Then, the melody of the Marseillaise is heard competing against Russian folk music, representing the two armies fighting each other as the French got closer and closer to Moscow. At this point, five cannon shots are heard, representing the Battle of Borodino. This is where the Marseillaise is most prominent, and seems to be winning.

After this, a long descending run represents the French army retreating out of Moscow. At the end of this run the hymn that the piece begins with is repeated. This can be interpreted as prayers being answered.

The grand finale culminates with eleven more cannon shots and the melody of God Save the Tsar!.

 

Edited by banana
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