What is the 1812 Overture?

The 1812 Overture, formally titled The Year 1812: Solemn Overture, Op. 49, is a concert overture in E♭ major written in 1880 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The piece commemorates Russia's defense against Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, and is filled with patriotic Russian motifs. The overture is popular for its use of cannons, which are fired during the performance to add a dramatic effect, a practice that began in the late 1800s. The piece is also known for its famous melody "God Save the Tsar", which is played during the climax of the overture. The 1812 Overture is a mainstay of the classical concert repertoire, and is one of Tchaikovsky's most popular works.