Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture (Full with Cannons)

Informative comments clipped from You Tube about the story the music is portraying (see below). Very interesting ! Also the attack by Napoleon deep into Russian territory is a lesson from history, as much from the mistakes made by Napoleon as the strategy used by the Russians (note, the battle of Borodino was a French victory, but a strategic loss when you consider Russian scorched earth tactics).

Best comment from You Tube:

Fernando Ferra
0:00 Opening theme represents Napoleon advancing his way towards Moscow with a huge army size and devastating weapons. The Russians gathered in churches across the country and prayed. This is represented through the hymn that is played in the beginning.

2:17 The tension rises and it could be heard in the ascending base notes as France gets ever so close to Moscow. In addition, the continuous 16th (not sure, might be 32nd) notes in the background really drives this section foward. The 16th notes represents the distressed Russians rushing to churches to pray and rushing home to be safe.

3:44 The first battle between Russia and France is getting ready to take place as the snare drums are used to keep the marching tempo. The melodies are kind of like the calm before the storm.

4:46 The battle actual starts

6:12 The French national anthem is played to represent how they overwhelmed the Russians and won early vicotires. In the next 6 minutes, the two countries start fighting and as more Russians come out of their homes to fight for their country, Russian melodies become more and more prominent as the French anthem and Russian melodlies go back and forth.

8:10 The folk melody "At the gate, at my gate" is heard. The name is pretty self explanatory :)

9:59 French anthem heard once again

11:10 Once again, "At the gate, at my gate" is heard.

11:30 Notice that after everytime this melody is played (5:24 and 9:03), the French anthem is played right after to show how they are victors in battle. This time however, this is not the case and the melody goes straight into... -->

--> ... 12:01. This signifies the turning point of the war where the French start to lost their stronghold and grip against the Russians. The name of the conflict is the Battle of Borodino. This is marked by 5 cannons blasts.

12:16 The descending line marks the French retreat

12:55 The victory celebration is represented through 11 cannon blasts and bells ringing in the background. The melody is an iteration of 'O Lord, Save Thy People'