One of my favorite pieces! I have played it several times, and love the french horn part!

I have always thought it commemorated the invasion/battle for Moscow during the Napoleanic Wars. But based on my reading of War and Peace, I am led to believe that Moscow was actually virtually deserted when the French army entered, and Napolean was bitterly disappointed.

So where was the cannon fire? Battle of Bouradino? ((Is that correct name and spelling--don't have my book in front of me))

Tolstoy believed that was the pivotal battle that won the war, because the true Russian spirit was there and "defeated" the French. Shortly after that, the French army disintegrated and literally ran back to France and left burning Moscow (started by Moscovites) and all its plunder remaining.

However, Tolstoy hated historians (in my opinion) so I suppose I don't really know the true history of the war and its ending.

Anyway, great piece.
Also a commemorative to the US war of 1812 with the British, where the White House burned and my (great x 8) Aunt rescued Washington's portrait!

Tanya,

if you wish to learn more about the French invasion to Russia here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Borodino

Thanks Alec,
Interesting and endlessly fascinating to me.

It is funny (ironic) to note the Gettysburg War memorial here in Pennsylvania, USA.
It was the bloodiest day of battle in US history. When a Russian General visited, he said It was but a minor "skirmish!"

Russian battles were of true epic proportions!