Today’s ‘long’ piece is a little longer than most that I have shared. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet has become an oft performed piece of music at this time of the year. The version I am sharing was live streamed just a few days ago from Moscow and features the Russian National Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In this performance there is no dancing – instead the music is illustrated by two ladies creating sand art – which is projected on to the large screen behind the orchestra. I found it really interesting, if a little frustrating that – unlike in the concert hall – you cannot decide for yourself whether to watch the screen or the orchestra and have to rely on the director. They were certainly skilled artists.
One thing that struck me while I listened is that although there are plenty of very well known parts of this music – the really ‘famous’ bits all come towards the end – so you would have to be patient if all you want to listen to is the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy for instance 😃
There is a long preparatory bit of this video, so the link I am giving is to just before the music actually starts.