Ian Deterling

The Nutcracker Medley flexible instrumentation

The Nutcracker Medley (Pyotr Tchaikovsky)

  • flexible instrumentation

    • Grade 3.5

  • ca. 3:00

Score/Parts PDF Preview

Program Notes

Composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Arranged by Ian Deterling.

  • Commissioned by Seneca Valley Wind Ensemble CGI

  • Composed in 1892, The Nutcracker would be Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s third and final ballet (the first two being Swan Lake from 1875-76 and Sleeping Beauty from 1889). Based off of Marius Petipa’s adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fantasy story Nussknacker und Mausekönig (“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”), the ballet takes place on Christmas Eve in mid-19th century Vienna. Opening with a festive holiday gathering, the story follows Clara and her Nutcracker doll that comes to life and duels with the King Mouse. Although the ballet itself was not an immediate success, the music was well received and had high praise for its rich colors and beautiful melodies. Tchaikovsky took eight numbers from his score and combined them to form the instantly popular The Nutcracker Suite. A yuletide favorite for many, The Nutcracker is frequently performed every year during the holiday season.

  • This medley includes selections from Miniature Overture, March, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Trepak (Russian Dance).

What is included:

  • Full Score (both 8.5”x11“ and 11”x17” sizes are included)

  • Set of Parts (5 parts + optional piano and percussion)

    • Part 1

      • C (High) - Flute; Violin

      • C (Low) - Oboe; C Trumpet; Violin

      • Bb (High) - Bb Clarinet; Soprano Saxophone

      • Bb (Low) - Bb Clarinet; Bb Trumpet

      • Eb - Eb Clarinet; Alto Clarinet; Alto Saxophone

    • Part 2

      • C (High) - Flute, Violin

      • C (Low) - Oboe; C Trumpet; Violin

      • Bb - Bb Clarinet; Soprano Saxophone; Bb Trumpet

      • Eb - Alto Clarinet; Alto Saxophone

      • F - English Horn; Horn in F

    • Part 3

      • C - Viola; Alto Trombone

      • Bb - Bb Clarinet

      • Eb - Alto Clarinet; Alto Saxophone

      • F - Horn in F

    • Part 4

      • C - Bassoon; Trombone; Euphonium; Cello

      • Bb - Bass Clarinet; Tenor Saxophone; Euphonium T.C.

      • Eb - Alto Clarinet; Alto Saxophone

      • F - Horn in F

    • Part 5

      • C (High) - Bassoon; Contrabassoon; Trombone; Bass Trombonbe; Euphonium; Cello; Contrabass

      • C (Low) - Tuba

      • Bb - Bass Clarinet; Contrabass Clarinet; Euphonium T.C.

      • Eb - Baritone Saxophone

    • Optional

      • Piano

      • Glockenspiel

      • Percussion - Triangle; Snare Drum; Tambourine

      • Timpani