Some Japanese orchestras have decided to stop performing a piece by Russian composer Tchaikovsky (1840-93) that celebrates Russia's defense against a French invasion in 1812.
Popular among Japanese classical audiences, Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" is being pulled from some concert programs amid concerns about performing the piece while Russia's invasion of Ukraine is ongoing.
The overture contains Russian hymns and folk tunes as well as the French national anthem "La Marseillaise," which is gradually drowned out by the national anthem of Imperial Russia, symbolizing victory by the Russian troops against the Napoleon-led French invaders.
