1812, Ouverture solennelle, Op.49 (1880)

It was in October 1812 that the Russian winter took care of immobilizing and destroying the retreating remaining Napoleonic forces. With its cannon, bells and optional military band, 1812 seems obviously intended for open-air concerts. While it never pretended to have the vision and universality of Tchaikovsky's later symphonies and operas, 1812 is a genuine masterpiece of its kind, stirring as few others.
Penguin Guide 3 stars, outstanding. International Record Review, outstanding.