Like many classical music buffs, I often wonder what the appeal of the enduring 1812 Overture is. Some people avoid it like the plague because of the noise, the jingoism, and the sheer exuberant crazyness of it all.

Imagine firing cannons in a concert hall. What could the old Russian madman have been thinking of. Not the insurance bill, clearly.

BBC’s Radio 4 asked the question in a thoughtful programme last week. The show was presented by Alasdair Malloy, principal percussionist with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

We heard how one over-enthusiastic musician almost did away with the conductor by setting off fireworks in his trombone. On another occasion pellets from a cannon left much of the orchestra covered in blood and with permanent scars and dents in their faces. The 1812 is not for the fainthearted.

As it’s safer to listen to the piece at home, I’ve chosen a nice version on Deutsche Grammophon with Neeme Jarvi conducting the Gothenburg Artillery Division and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. Note how the guns are put first.

Check out the latest price.