The Nutcracker
Peter I. Tschaikowsky / Marius Bazu (arrangement)
Orchestra Suite I and II
Content and score samples: Ouverture miniature · March · Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy · Russian Dance (Trepak) · Chinese Dance · Arabian Dance · Dance of the Reed Flutes (Mirlitons) · Waltz of the Flowers

Tschaikowsky's ballet music for The Nutcracker leads the listener into a dream world. Even without the traditional dancers, the music is totally understandable and moving. It should not come as a surprise that this music - from the Overture to the famous Waltz of the Flowers - is so beloved. Thanks to our new arrangement, young musicians can now enjoy playing this piece even more.

Our version contains all eight parts of both suites, but is carefully adapted to the skills of school and amateur orchestras. In order to approximate the romantic original as closely as possible, the strings must be supported by a variety of complete independent obligate winds: three C voices (flutes), two B-flat voices (clarinets), one F / E-flat voice (French horn / alto saxophone) and one bassoon (as desired). In addition, many percussion possibilities exist (tambourine, triangle, cymbal and Glockenspiel). A piano is needed for the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; in addition the piano score is very helpful for rehearsing or supporting accompaniment.

The Degree of difficulty is moderate. In Mirlitons the flutes play the original melody with which even students can achieve a virtuoso effect and have fun doing so. The text - adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann - contains five charming parts. Just as in the ballet, the story starts on Christmas Eve. However, it can be easily modified to fit other holidays, making the production less seasonal (presently available in German or French only).

The instrumentation including three flutes meets the often big supply of flutes in school orchestras ... Alltogether all wind instruments have fine tasks, which definitely challange, yet don't overburdon the students.

nmz neue musikzeitung

	symphonic orchestra	TM 1243 score, 3 x V 1, 3 x V 2, 1 x V 3, 2 x Va, 3 x Vc / Cb; winds 3 x C I / II / III, 2 x B-flat I / II, 2 x F (E-flat) / C-bass; percussion, piano score	124,-	211,-