Book excerpt: Commissioned to mark the 1882 All-Russia Exhibition of Arts and Crafts, this extraordinarily popular work was premiered at the consecration of the Kremlin's Cathedral of the Redeemer--the monument built to commemorate the Russian defeat of the Napoleonic invasion in 1812. A colorful musical tapestry of nationalistic themes and battle scenes, performances of the "1812" — with cannons thundering and bells pealing — have remained an electrifying outdoor event at patriotic concerts worldwide.