| Even though Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture was written to commemorate Russia’s victory over Napoleon, it somehow became an American 4th of July staple, thanks to its booming cannons and grand finale that pair perfectly with fireworks!
The Boston Pops made it a tradition in the 1970s when conductor Arthur Fiedler added real cannons and bells for their annual Independence Day concerts, and the spectacle was so popular that orchestras across the country joined in, adding more explosions, and making it a red, white, and booming tradition! |