Napoleon retreating from Moscow in 1812
Credit: google.com | ©Public Domain
Now that the Fourth is over and every one is going back to their jobs and Summer events, I hope however you are up for one more article on the holiday. Maybe a few of you went to a concert that day or you watched the Boston Pops in TV.I bet during those concerts you heard a piece that is associated with the holiday. No not the Stars and Stripes Forever I've already written an article on that one. I'm speaking about that most American of music the 1812 Overture. What?? A piece of music about a battle that took place in Russia over 200 years ago and written by the most popular Russian composer of the 19th Century. What does that have do with the Fourth of July? I bet you don't know but I'm certain that by now you know that I'm about to tell you. Here is first a little history behind the real life event, the music, why it was written and how it became associated with an American holiday.
The Battle:
In 1812 Napoleon, Emperor of the French, held sway over most of Europe except for two countries, England and Russia. England had been saved by the channel and their navy but Russia was believed to be easier to conquer or at least that's what Napoleon thought. Attempting to strangle England to death by forbidding the countries of Europe to trade with her, Russia, a long time ally of the English, refused. Gathering up the largest army ever seen to that point in history, the French General invaded the upstart country on June 24,1812. Before this Napoleon had defeated every country and won most every battle on the European continent. However like many invaders before and since (most notably Hitler) he lost sight of the fact that Russia's immense size and unpredictable weather defeated any army that was sent into it. Using a time tested strategy the Russian army simply retreated into the interior of the country drawing Napoleon and his "Grande Armee" farther inland and further from their lines of supply.
The Battle:
In 1812 Napoleon, Emperor of the French, held sway over most of Europe except for two countries, England and Russia. England had been saved by the channel and their navy but Russia was believed to be easier to conquer or at least that's what Napoleon thought. Attempting to strangle England to death by forbidding the countries of Europe to trade with her, Russia, a long time ally of the English, refused. Gathering up the largest army ever seen to that point in history, the French General invaded the upstart country on June 24,1812. Before this Napoleon had defeated every country and won most every battle on the European continent. However like many invaders before and since (most notably Hitler) he lost sight of the fact that Russia's immense size and unpredictable weather defeated any army that was sent into it. Using a time tested strategy the Russian army simply retreated into the interior of the country drawing Napoleon and his "Grande Armee" farther inland and further from their lines of supply.
Comments
Phoebe
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/05/2009
Fascinating article! Great read, spoiled only by the need for a good copy editor! Maybe you have a good friend, perhaps an English major, who would clean it up for you!
Hylas
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/05/2009
Nice article Glen. Answered all my questions about how this piece got to be an American standby for the 4th.
you may want to fix a few typos. Every time you say "it's" you should say "its". Also, the word is "moot", not "mute".
A fascinating exploration of an essay, Glen! Now I know where to point to the next time someone tries to tell me that that Overture was written for the American War of 1812... But then there are people here who don't hear the 'Allons les enfants de la patrie...' running thru out the opus and getting blasted off with the bells and the 'God saves the Czar' because they have never heard the French and Russian anthems. O, well. ;oP Thanks for a great read. Happy Holidays!
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