“The Nutcracker Suite” March - Russian Dance “Trépak” - Waltz of the Flowers

The Medical College of Wisconsin Orchestra
Winter 2023 Concert

Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky: Selections from “The Nutcracker Suite”
March - Russian Dance “Trépak” - Waltz of the Flowers

Conducted by: Alexander Mandl, DMA

The third and last of Tchaikovsky’s great ballets was Nutcracker, first staged in St Petersburg on 18 December 1892. At first, he found no particular attraction in the subject of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, and the first performance was, in any case, coolly received. It has since become one of the most popular of all ballets, a particular favorite at Christmas with performances of the ballet and the orchestral suite receiving thousands of performances every December. In this collection, selections from the Suite are presented delightfully virtuosic fashion. 

March - an exciting profusion of fanfares and swirling strings

Trepak - a fast and furious Russian folk-dance, spinning ever more dizzily

Waltz of the Flowers - brimming with grace and elegance, Tchaikovsky's most inspired foray into the form of the French Valse.