Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer whose work would make a lasting impression internationally, with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker propelling him into classical music immortality.

The 19th-century Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky—still popular today for such works as The Nutcracker and the 1812 Overture —was not a happy man.

The world premiere was just a year away. Pyotr would write the score for “Queen of Spades” abroad. He had temporarily relocated to Florence, Italy, as a creative reset. Modest remained in Russia.

Tchaikovsky was neither American, nor a founding father, but his “1812 Overture” has become the soundtrack to our Independence Day, as integral as fireworks and the flag.

Over the past 145 years, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” has been used to celebrate July 4th, sell cereal and astound movie audiences. It’s been sampled and spoofed, with ...