How is Pyotr Tchaikovsky Overture 1812 both nationalism and program?

Question by Elizabeth: How is Tchaikovsky – Overture 1812 both nationalism and program music?
I don’t understand how to depict these two ideas from music that do not have lyrics. I have such a hard time analyzing music! Please PLEASE help!!

Answers and Views:

Answer by alangoestomusicwood
Begin by researching about the composition of this work:

Napoleon’s armies had penetrated deep into Russia and that very day fought the Russians bitterly at Borodino, driving them out of Moscow. However, the Russians were not to be defeated and charged back into the city, driving Napoleon out – with fire – thus marking the start of the long and disastrous retreat that destroyed the once proud “grande armée”.

Hence, in 1880, the Russian composer Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write a festive and patriotic piece to immortalize Napoleon’s defeat and celebrate the liberation of the Russians. Cannons would have been used during the actual conflict, hence their significance in the piece. Its first performance was in Moscow in 1882.

The solemn mood is set at the opening, with divided cellos and strings intoning the quiet, even mournful hymn “God Preserve Thy People”. Then follows the exciting central passage, evocative of a savage conflict, with fragments of the “Marseillaise” and lyrics from Russian folk songs.

Back since then it has being featured in many movies, most newly and popular 2006’s nationalist themed film ‘V for Vendetta’

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