The Nutcracker: Get to Know Classical Masterpieces

by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Composer)

(Schott). The series "Get to Know Classical Masterpieces" provides an introduction to well-known compositions in simple arrangements for piano by Hans-Gunter Heumann. Complete with texts and colour illustrations throughout, these editions will appeal not only to both child and adult pianists, but to any music-lover who wishes to get to know these works better. Includes a biography of the composer Peter Ilyich Tschaikovsky, a history of the work, plot summary, and easy piano arrangements Overture * Welcoming the Guests * March * Uncle Drosselmeyer * Clara and the Nutcracker * Grandfather's Dance * Pas de deux for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince * Snowflake Waltz * a) Spanish Dance * b) Arabian Dance * c) Chinese Dance * d) Russian Dance (Trepak) * e) Dance of the Reed Pipes * f) Mother Gigogne * Waltz of the Flowers * Finale / Waltz.

Genres: Music, Scores, Christmas, Reference

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1985

About the author

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Петр Ильич Чайковский) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.

Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.

Reviews

[Cocoa by candlelight]

The original Hoffman story was grim, sometimes scary, always whimsical. This ballet adapts the Dumas version of The Nutcracker, which is fluffier and more saccharine (verging on the extreme).
If you skip the Dumas version and choose to interpret the ballet through the lens of both Hoffman's and Tchaikovsky's personal lives, then you get a story about grief and finding joy in your deepest sorrows.
It would be a shame to dismiss the score as shallow, when it's actually a beautiful love letter to life. Tchaikovsky used The Nutcracker as a way to say goodbye to his beloved sister Sasha, whose passing away devastated him. In the midst of grief and desperation, he decided to use his pain and make something beautiful with it. Not only a way for the spirit of Sasha to live on, but also for her life to be celebrated and bring joy to people.

There's a pervasive melancholy underneath the happy notes, as well as unbridled child-like joy. Writing songs that make people happy does not translate into shallow music. Being able to transmit joy and serenity and happiness is the most profound gift any of us can hope for.

[David]

Great reference, low price. Very helpful for a project I'm currently working on.

[Clayton R. Young]

It is very unfortunate that this is Tchaikovsky's best known work. Lacking, in plot it is boring on a whole. There is, however, wonderful, magical music that must deserve at least some recognition.

[Javier Fernandez]

Clara's dream is the coolest. She imagines it all in music and dance. Mum's the word!