Commissioned to mark the 1882 All-Russia Exhibition of Industry and Crafts, this extraordinarily popular work was premiered at the consecration of the Kremlin's Cathedral of the Redeemer - the monument built to commemorate the Russian defeat of the Napoleonic invasion in 1812. A colorful musical tapestry of nationalistic themes and battle scenes, performances of the 1812 Overture - with cannons thundering and bells pealing - have remained an electrifying outdoor event at patriotic concerts worldwide.

Reprint of the Ernst Eulenburg, Leipzig, edition.