The Nutcracker

Some of Tchaikovsky's most popular music is found in "The Nutcracker". I'm sure you have heard of "The Waltz of the Flowers," and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." This ballet's music is of the Romantic Period of music.

Tchaikovsky discovered the celestra in Paris, and used this instrument as the main instruments in the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy". He wanted the Sugar Plum Fairy to have a 'heavenly sweet sound'. The celestra gave her that sound.

An interesting fact is that the original suite was only 85 minutes long.

The story of "The Nutcracker" revolved around a German girl named Clara. The Ballet opens with a brief overture. By using the upper registers of the orchestra the music set the fairy mood. The curtain opens to reveal the house, where a Christmas Eve party is under way...

Suggestions:
Watch a performance of "The Nutcracker".
Learn to play one of the pieces in this suite.
Read about Pyotr Llyich Tchaikovsky.
Learn about the Romantic Period of music.


If you have a question you would like me to answer about learning music please email me at Catherines.Music.Notes@gmail.com

Have a Musical and Happy New Year!!! *smiles*

Catherine
"Music lessons should be about the student. Each student learns in different ways, and at different speeds. Music is a journey, and on that journey, we will work and learn together." - Catherine

Books with CDs include:
Impressions Volume One, Two, and Three
Marches
The Frog Prince
CDs include:
Wedding Bells
Lullabies

http://sites.google.com/site/musicbycatherine
www.ShoutLife.com/ClassyKeys
http://catherinesmusicnotes.blogspot.com