Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

The Nutcracker (suite), Op. 71a

In Tchaikovsky’s lifetime, he composed three ballets, all of which were famous: Swan Lake (1876), The Sleeping Beauty (1889), and The Nutcracker (1892). Despite being the last created ballet of Tchaikovsky’s, The Nutcracker is still universally popular, and is primarily enjoyed during the Christmas season. The work was loosely based on a story ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ by E.T.A. Hoffmann, which was adapted by Alexandre Dumas as a children’s fairytale.

Tchaikovsky’s brilliance in his ballet works is evident in its popularity. In today’s selection, each dance is specially picked from Act II: Kingdom of Sweets; showcasing the multitude of different styles of dances that can be portrayed through music, each with their unique pulse and feel.

Tea: Chinese Dance

This short movement is packed with action in the wind section: strong focused blasts from the bassoons, accompanied by beautiful flute flourishes, and later accompanied by waves of notes from the clarinet.

Dance of the Mirlitons

Fitting in the theme of the Kingdom of Sweets, it is likely that Tchaikovsky was inspired to write a piece of music for which its title had a double meaning; Mirliton, similar to a kazoo, is a simple reed flute, that produces sound similar to a comb and paper instrument, while Mirliton du Pont-Audemer is a French pastry that is rolled into a tube, filled with chocolate praline mousse, and dipped in chocolate. In this movement, feel the lighthearted bounce as the flutes converse, as the Mirlitons “march” across the Kingdom of sweets!

Waltz of the Flowers

Featuring the beautiful sound of the harp solo, Waltz of the Flowers is a grand symphonic piece in the style of a French waltz. Filled with grace and elegance, Waltz of the Flowers brings you to a fantasy realm of dancing, where it is sure to enchant you with the sweet sounds of the swirling strings and warm brass and woodwinds.

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