What do you think of the 1812 Overture?

I find it rather weak and bombastic. There are many far better pieces by Tchaikovsky and others out there. Even the composer himself did not hold the piece in high regard and considered it something of a turkey among his compositions.

I was introduced to Tchaikosvky's 1812 Overture when I was a young man in junior high. I found it to be exhilarating at the time with its music depiction of the two advancing armies, the battle, the retreat of the French and the final jubilation. I would play it over and over again. For musical excitement, it ranks up there with Beethoven's Wellington's Victory.

As an adult, I still find it to be fun music, but not a composition that I listen to frequently. When I hear it announced on the radio, I groan because it is so over played. I do laugh when it is played on the Fourth of July because it has nothing to do with American patriotism. Nonetheless, it serves the occasion quite well with its bombast.

Because the work is so dramatic and has recognizable melodies, it has a way of drawing young people to classical music. If for no other reason, I hope the work continues its popularity so more people discover the joy of listening to classical music. Tchaikovsky was my in road to classical music as a boy in fifth grade. So, I owe him a life time of gratitude.

>>>>Do you think it is overrated or underrated?

I think you're right the first time.

>>>>Any chance it could be the best song of the last 500 years?

If it is, I'd certainly hate to hear the worst one.

>>>>What images pop into your head when you listen to it?

I think more highly of it now that I know that the opening section is a quotation of a Russian song and that the descending sequence represents a retreat.

I think that the finale is overrated, but the piece as a whole is a very good piece.

The best piece ever? Probably not.

Honestly, I always think of V for Vendetta.

I enjoy it, but mainly because I relate it to fireworks!

Love it

One of my favorites. It is played on July 4, usually, because of sound of cannons, visions of fireworks, and war.

love it beautiful piece of music!