Hold My Beer

“What instrument do you play?”

“Artillery”

“That’s not an instrument”

“Hold my beer”

Readers may recall I posted this piece of music (different performance) a few months ago.  It’s worth listening to it again.

In it’s entirety, this is one of the most recognizable pieces of music from the Romantic Period ~(1830-1900), written by Pyotir Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

This is a breathtaking, yes, I said breathtaking performance and I’ll call your attention to the woman seen at 13:54.  I share her experience. Additionally, observe the look of pride on the face of  conductor, Alberto Ferrer  Martínez, at the conclusion when he knows that he and his musicians, (including bell ringers and artillerymen). . .  “nailed” it.

I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment after a performance like this, but expect to develop that imagination a bit as this month I begin writing articles for Ensemble Eclectica, in Columbia, South Carolina.  I will combine my love of music and writing to help tell the story of this amazing program.

From the “liner notes: The Year 1812 Solemn Overture, Op. 49, popularly known as the 1812 Overture, is a concert overture in E♭ major written in 1880 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to commemorate the successful Russian defense against Napoleon’s invading Grande Armée in 1812. In 1974, the Boston Pops added cannons, church bells and fireworks to draw crowds to their Independence Day concert. It was so successful that the inclusion of the “1812 Overture” became a staple. 

Enjoy!