The Russian embassy reminded Americans in a tweet Tuesday that a Fourth of July musical staple was actually written about one of that country’s own wars.
“Dear Americans, happy Independence Day! Learn more about Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, now a July Fourth tradition,” the embassy wrote.
Dear Americans, Happy #IndependenceDay!
Learn more about Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture??, now #July4th Tradition?? https://t.co/wXsYDCujAR pic.twitter.com/t9icB9m3o7— Russia in USA ?? (@RusEmbUSA) July 4, 2017
The tweet included a link to a Sputnik news agency story about the song’s origins and was published Tuesday as tension rose with Russia over North Korea’s missile program. Both Russia and China announced a joint agreement challenging Trump and urging an end to joint exercises with South Korea.
The 1812 Overture was written by the famous composer to commemorate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s French army at the Battle of Borodino two centuries ago.
But the song, with its surging rhythm, crescendos and cannon fire, is played widely across the United States during the Fourth of July holiday along with the Star Spangled Banner.
