The Nutcracker Suite (Pyotr Tchaikovsky)

• clarinet ensemble

Score/Parts PDF Previews

• Only the first six pages of the score/ first page of each part is available for preview (parts that are only one page in length are not included in the preview).

• I. Overture Miniature

• II. March

• III. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

• IV. Trepak

• V. Arabian Dance

• VI. Chinese Dance

• VII. Dance of the Mirlitons

• VIII. Waltz of the Flowers

Program Notes

Composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ian Deterling.

• 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. 

• Instrumentation:

  • Eb Clarinet (the Bb Clarinet 1 part adapted for Eb Clarinet)

  • Bb Clarinets 1-4

  • Alto Clarinet (the Bb Clarinet 4 part adapted for Alto Clarinet)

  • Bass Clarinet

  • Contrabass Clarinet (optional)

• Score and set of individual parts.

Score Videos