The 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, composed in 1880, is a graphic musical description of the forced retreat of Napoleon's armies from Moscow.  It features an Orthodox chant and folk song followed by "God Save the Czar." It was an official commission for the opening of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour during the Moscow Exhibition of Industry and Arts and the silver jubilee of the czar.

If you see the 1812 Overture performed live don't be surprised if you hear real cannons being fired during the performance as the music calls for them.  Hold on to your seats.
