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- Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyitch
Duration: 7 minutes
Description: THE NUTCRACKER is a two-act “fairy ballet” written by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky (1840–1893). Based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the original 1892 production, choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in Saint Petersburg, was not considered a success, although the 20-minute suite extracted by the composer was. Starting in the 1960s, the popularity of the full ballet has grown enormously, with frequent performances every Christmas season among the major ballet companies. No. 9: “Waltz of the Snowflakes” closes Act I, accompanying Clara and the Nutcracker Prince’s magical journey into the Land of Snow. The music unfolds as a sweeping orchestral waltz, with glittering textures and graceful rhythms that evoke a flurry of snowflakes dancing in dazzling patterns. Today, it is celebrated as one of the ballet’s most enchanting moments, showcasing Tchaikovsky’s gift for atmosphere, orchestral color, and unforgettable melody. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2+EH.2+BCl.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(2): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.