Why Is the '1812' So Popular? [audio 30min]

Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, with its cannons, muskets and bells, is almost unavoidable. Tchaikovsky thought it had no artistic merit, but what do musicians think as they face it - sometimes night after night? Presenting the programme is Alasdair Malloy, who is also principal percussionist of the BBC Concert Orchestra and has experienced the perils of performing in front of musketry and cannons.