How did Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture become part of American Independence Day celebrations

[Ispolkom]

@Leo_Bloom

FWIW, on the general topic raised by this thread, and arguably even on this particular comment of MikeS–

The hasidic movement in Judaism has wordless ecstatic chants (nigunim) which are a distinguishing part of its practice. I don’t have the cite, but one of its grand rebbes ruled on a complaint about one of their tunes taken from some war-song or other (nationalistic and secular, obviously, both bad mojo) and ruled it is not only acceptable but an elevation and transformation of the actual spirit in the music.

On the other hand, the Catholic Council of Trent in 1572 ruled the other way, forbidding the use of secular melodies in settings of the mass, which was widely popular in the 16th century.

[Guinastasia]

I think the religious hymns in the 1812 are Orthodox, though, not Catholic. (You can also hear “God Save the Tsar”, the national anthem of the Russian Empire, at one point)

[bob_2]

“My Country, 'Tis of Thee” is sung to the same tune as the British National Anthem…?

America (My Country 'Tis Of Thee)

[Chronos]

Quoth Ispolkom:

On the other hand, the Catholic Council of Trent in 1572 ruled the other way, forbidding the use of secular melodies in settings of the mass, which was widely popular in the 16th century.

Which was either rescinded or ignored, because lots of Catholic hymns have tunes which originated from secular songs.