If it's the Fourth of July, it must be time for Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture

I'm not exactly sure why, but on the list at instantencore.com of concerts for the Fourth of July, ALL of them have Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, and usually as the last or next to the last selection to be played. ("Stars and Stripes" is listed as last in most instances--if not this one, another Sousa march for sure).

It has become a musical tradition, but how and why? Of course, I figured I could "google" it or "ask jeeves." Surely I was not the only person asking this question.

The piece was first conducted by Tchaikovsky himself when he visited New York City in 1891 at the dedication of Carnegie Hall. Hmmm....

That's about the only historical connection that anyone has seemed to find to America.

Beyond that, you have the French National Anthem and an old Russian national anthem, lots of cannons depicting Napolean's retreat from Russia in the year 1812.

It must be the cannons and the fireworks connection then! Oftentimes when the overture is performed outdoors, real cannons will be used. If cannons are not available, the percussion section is charged with the task of replicating cannon shots.

A few other writers and bloggers weighed in on "Why 1812 Overture on July 4?" See their answers:

http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/1570/1812.htm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/309550/the_fourth_of_july_and_the_1812_overture.html?cat=37

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/20030704overtureae3.asp

Top 15 songs for the Fourth of July
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1870623/my_4th_of_july_playlist_for_your_independence.html?cat=33 (see this one for a suggested playlist for Fourth of July that you can download)

Top 10 Songs for Your Fourth of July
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1884692/top_10_songs_for_your_fourth_of_july_pg3.html?cat=33

Both lists above include the 1812 Overture. If you want to impress your friends, refer to the piece by its proper name "Festival Overture: The Year 1812" which happens to be in Eb flat major, Op. 49. That bit of trivia will get you far at cocktail parties.

In addition to the 1812 Overture, come hear Sousa marches, Maestro Cooper's arrangement of "Country Roads", some Irving Berlin and John Williams.

Veterans will be invited to stand to represent their service branches during the Armed Forces Salute--this has become a Charleston tradition.

Want to hear a preview of some of the selections? http://www.instantencore.com/concert/details.aspx?PId=5037750

Thanks to the City of Charleston for making this free event possible and for providing live orchestral music at Haddad Riverfront Park. Concert starts at 8:00 p.m. at the levee. We hope to see you there!