Tired of playing the same old holiday tunes from the method on your winter concert? Then take a fresh approach with this exceptional arrangement that amazingly uses only six notes and note values no smaller than a quarter-note. Featuring both the Overture and Trepak from The Nutcracker, this arrangement will surprise you with how authentic it sounds, and your audience will be delighted to hear Tchaikovsky’s masterwork performed by such young musicians! A fantastic way to get out of the method for a holiday program!
The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky's famous masterpiece, has become among the most popular ballets performed, primarily during the winter holidays but also at other times of the year. A selection of eight of the more popular works from the ballet was made by the composer to form The Nutcracker Suite, intended for concert performance. This version highlights two famous themes - Overture and Trepak (Russian Dance). The overture sets the mood for the entire suite, and was originally orchestrated to set the fairylike mood of the entire work. Thus, directors should focus on playing the section in a very light manner, imitating the sound that would be created by the upper instruments of the orchestra. The second theme, Trepak, is arguably one of the most famous themes from the entire ballet. It occurs when Clara and the Prince arrive at the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where a series of dancers perform various ethnic dances. Trepak, or Russian Dance, is typically performed at a quick tempo and is an excellent example of Tchaikovsky at his very best.