I always recollect this piece as being used with footage of Communist Russia or World War I in Europe, but this may be a mistake of the memory.
I have absolutely no idea what it is, who wrote it, or anything else. It is fairly well-known, as I’ve heard it in lots of different programs.
I’m not musical at all, but have tried websites which search a few bars, with no avail.
Help me please.
Any more information?
Is it strings, horns, percussion, full orchestra or what?
Is it fast or slow?
Does it sound happy, sad, regal etc.?
Can you be more specific than just Communist Russia/WWI in Europe. Is it used for battle scenes, general pictures, or what?
Still, wouldn’t it be awesome to guess it right anyway? (this starting at 1:30)
Tchaikovsky’s Slavonic March, particularly the first few minutes, has become one of the foremost “Russian sounding” pieces used in documentaries and movies (to the point of cliche IMO, though I like the piece). It uses a number of Russian and Serbian folk melodies.
O Fortuna (Carmina Burana)?
Meadowland and Song of the Volga Boatmen are used a lot for Russia.
No winner yet!
The piece is orchestral and is instrumental only.
It sounds like it is mainly violins and the wind section.
In comparison with previous posts above, this tune is used more often that these (O Fortuna aside).
I may be wrong thinking it is Russian, but to me it sounds very Russian.
Come on guys, I know you can help me 
It’s not an instrumental version of the Soviet National Anthem is it?
I doubt it’s this, but the finale of the 1812 overture includes the (anachronistic) Russian national anthem. God knows it’s one of the most famous pieces in the history of ever.
My guess is that it’s by Tchaikovsky, but there are so many to pick from.
Or possible Prokofiev?
You may want to check out this recent-ish thread that had some of the same suggestions and some different.
As you already may have guessed, my knowledge of classical music is extremely poor.
It is none of the above, so I’m thinking the Russian angle may not be correct. It’s not an instrumental version of something as I’ve never heard it with lyrics! It’s always just orchestral, mainly strings. It is as famous as the 1812 Overture. Hell, I’ve heard it so many times, I just can’t remember where exactly.
I’m going to try one of those websites that you key in the riff. I’ve tried before and had no luck but will try again.
That’s what I thought of. Romeo and Juliet, possibly.
I’ve known this famous theme from Swan Lake to be used in documentaries.
Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings
Prokofiev!!!
Thank you so much!!
Is it Russian? :smack:
Thank you everyone for all your help. I shall now go, listen and de-stress.
I love this forum 
Prokofiev was as Russian as they get. He’s probably most famous for Peter and the Wolf, although he wrote plenty of terrific stuff.
I’m delighted that I was right with the Russian influence.
TBH I have never heard of him, although I have heard of Peter and the Wolf.
Wait, how do you know it’s by Prokofiev if you don’t know what piece it is yet?