Tchaikovsky
1812 OVERTURE
Goodmusic Concert Classics GMCL171

Orchestration:
Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, Cor Anglais, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons
4 Horns in F, 2 Cornets in Bb, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 3 Trombones, Tuba
Timpani, Percussion (5 players: Triangle, Side drum, Cymbals, Bass drum, Tubular Bells, Cannon)
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)
Optional extra brass (doubles orchestral brass)

Tchaikovsky’s famous overture actually titled "The Year 1812, Festival Overture in E flat major, Op. 49" was written in 1880 to commemorate Russia’s defence of Moscow against Napoleon’s advancing army at the Battle of Borodino in 1812. This edition is as the original score and is not arranged or simplified, except that the trumpet parts were originally in Eb and have here been transposed into Bb.
"A cannon is any piece of artillery that uses gunpowder or other usually explosive-based propellants to launch a projectile" but this could be taking authenticity a bit too far - anything that makes a big bang will do! The requirement for 5 percussionists assumes only 1 for the cannon. The optional extra brass doubles the orchestral brass from bar 358 to the end and ideally should be sited in a different part of the concert hall for that over-the-top effect. "Extra Brass" parts are provided within the PACK for 4 horns, 2 cornets, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones and tuba, but use whatever you have!
Duration 15 minutes

A PACK comprises an A4 sized full score plus a complete set of parts including strings 4/4/3/4/2.

Audio Sample

Click the play button below to hear a performance which has been computer-generated from the score.