Eighteen-Twelve

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Eighteen-Twelve (1812). Concert-ov., Op.49, by Tchaikovsky, comp. 1880, commemorating Napoleon's retreat from Moscow in 1812 and incorporating La Marseillaise and the Tsarist nat. anthem. Orig. idea was for perf. in a Moscow square with large orch., military band, cath. bells, and cannon fire. Sometimes still perf. with cannon (esp. at Royal Albert Hall popular Tchaikovsky evenings).

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