The Nutcracker - by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Video I, Video II)

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"The Nutcracker" is a classical ballet that has become a staple of the holiday season. It is one of the most famous and frequently performed ballets in the world. The ballet is set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and is based on the 1816 German fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann.

Here's an overview of the two acts:

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Act I:

1. The Stahlbaum Home: The ballet begins at the Stahlbaum family's Christmas Eve celebration. The mysterious godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives with gifts for the children, including a Nutcracker doll for Clara.

2. The Battle: Later in the evening, after the guests have left, Clara returns to the living room to check on her Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, magical things start happening. The Christmas tree grows, and an army of mice led by the Mouse King appears. The Nutcracker comes to life, and a battle ensues between the Nutcracker's toy soldiers and the mice.

3. The Land of Snow: After the battle, the Nutcracker transforms into a Prince. Clara and the Prince embark on a journey to the Land of Snow, where they are greeted by snowflakes dancing in a winter wonderland.

 

Act II:

1. The Land of Sweets: Clara and the Prince arrive in the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. They are greeted by various characters representing different sweets and confections from around the world, including Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Candy Cane.

2. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy: The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform the iconic "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," one of the most famous pieces of music from Tchaikovsky's score.

3. Finale: The ballet concludes with a grand finale featuring all the characters celebrating the triumph of Clara and the Prince. Clara awakens back at home, wondering if it was all a dream.

"The Nutcracker" is known for its enchanting music, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and its elaborate and colorful choreography. The ballet has become a holiday tradition for many families, and its popularity endures as generations continue to be captivated by its magical and festive atmosphere. Numerous ballet companies worldwide perform their own interpretations of "The Nutcracker" during the holiday season, making it one of the most widely staged ballets globally.

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See The Nutcracker  - Video 

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OUTLINER 

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The Nutcracker – The Ballet Music (Complete) - by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Conductor Artur Rodzinski. Publication date 1955. Source: Internet Archive.org

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ACT I, sc. 1

1. Overture
2. Lighting of the Christmas Tree
3. March
4. Children's Galop and Dance of the Parents
5. Dance Scene: Presents for the Children
6. Scene and Grandfather's Dance
7. Scene: Departure of Guests; Bedtime; Magic Spell Begins
8. Scene: Battle and Transformation of Nutcracker

ACT I, sc. 2
9. Scene: Journey through the Snow
10. Waltz of the Snowflakes

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ACT II

11. Scene: The Magic Castle
12. Scene: Festival
13. Chocolate (Spanish Dance)
14. Coffee (Arabian Dance)
15. Tea (Chinese Dance)
16. Trepak (Russian Dance)
17. Danse des Mirlitons
18. Mere Gigogne and the Clowns
19. Waltz of the Flowers
20. Pas de Deux
21. Prince Charming's Solo
22 Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairies
23. Coda
24. Waltz Finale and Apotheosis

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