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Der Nussknacker.
Die Opernführer enthalten ein Libretto der jeweiligen Oper sowie Informationen zum Komponisten und eine kleine Werkgeschichte - reich und farbig bebildert. Nur wenige Ballette verfügen über die Vitalität der Tschaikowsky-Ballette, und 'Der Nußknacker' zählt zu den meist aufgeführten Balletten überhaupt. Dabei stand er während seiner Entstehung unter einem schlechten Stern...
100 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1985
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky
2,558 books67 followersPyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Петр Ильич Чайковский) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.
Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.
Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 1, 2022
The original Hoffman story was grim, sometimes scary, always whimsical. This ballet adapts the Dumas version of The Nutcracker, which is fluffier and more saccharine (verging on the extreme).
If you skip the Dumas version and choose to interpret the ballet through the lens of both Hoffman's and Tchaikovsky's personal lives, then you get a story about grief and finding joy in your deepest sorrows.
It would be a shame to dismiss the score as shallow, when it's actually a beautiful love letter to life. Tchaikovsky used The Nutcracker as a way to say goodbye to his beloved sister Sasha, whose passing away devastated him. In the midst of grief and desperation, he decided to use his pain and make something beautiful with it. Not only a way for the spirit of Sasha to live on, but also for her life to be celebrated and bring joy to people.
There's a pervasive melancholy underneath the happy notes, as well as unbridled child-like joy. Writing songs that make people happy does not translate into shallow music. Being able to transmit joy and serenity and happiness is the most profound gift any of us can hope for.
If you skip the Dumas version and choose to interpret the ballet through the lens of both Hoffman's and Tchaikovsky's personal lives, then you get a story about grief and finding joy in your deepest sorrows.
It would be a shame to dismiss the score as shallow, when it's actually a beautiful love letter to life. Tchaikovsky used The Nutcracker as a way to say goodbye to his beloved sister Sasha, whose passing away devastated him. In the midst of grief and desperation, he decided to use his pain and make something beautiful with it. Not only a way for the spirit of Sasha to live on, but also for her life to be celebrated and bring joy to people.
There's a pervasive melancholy underneath the happy notes, as well as unbridled child-like joy. Writing songs that make people happy does not translate into shallow music. Being able to transmit joy and serenity and happiness is the most profound gift any of us can hope for.
April 11, 2019
Great reference, low price. Very helpful for a project I'm currently working on.
June 27, 2019
It is very unfortunate that this is Tchaikovsky's best known work. Lacking, in plot it is boring on a whole. There is, however, wonderful, magical music that must deserve at least some recognition.
December 22, 2025
Clara's dream is the coolest. She imagines it all in music and dance. Mum's the word!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews