March from The Nutcracker (ballet)Pyotr Tchaikovsky65rank/position
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, No. 2. “March”
This is a piece of classical music performed by orchestras around the country during the Christmas season.
It was composed by the Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and it’s a charming number whose opening trumpet line serves as a clear introduction to a marching tune.
The quick, scurrying lines in the woodwinds and strings evoke an image of children, toys, or perhaps even small animals.
The Nutcracker consists of multiple suites, and beyond the ballet, the orchestral suite—arranged to be easy to listen to—is particularly well known.
The version most people often hear is this orchestral suite.
Since the story is set on Christmas Eve, it is frequently performed during the holiday season.
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker (ballet music)Pyotr Tchaikovsky66rank/position
P. I. Tchaikovsky / Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s ballet music The Nutcracker, premiered in 1892.
This piece is one of the most popular numbers from the work.
It is known as one of the earliest compositions to use the celesta, a new instrument at the time.
With its light, dreamlike atmosphere and transparent timbre, it beautifully captures a fantastical and delicate character.
It is frequently performed around the Christmas season worldwide and is also used in various media such as films and commercials.
There’s even an anecdote that Tchaikovsky, captivated by the sound of the celesta, kept its existence secret so other composers wouldn’t find out about it.
It’s a highly recommended piece not only for classical music fans but also for those interested in ballet and film music.
Waltz from the ballet music Swan LakePyotr Tchaikovsky67rank/position
Waltz from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake
This work, known as one of the defining masterpieces of Tchaikovsky’s ballet music, was composed between 1875 and 1876 and premiered in Moscow in March 1877.
It is characterized by a lively rhythm and a bright atmosphere that color the festive scenes.
Tchaikovsky employed innovative techniques not previously attempted in ballet music to depict characters and onstage events.
For example, he uses different keys to interweave the various elements of the story.
Through beautiful melodies and refined orchestration, he deftly conveys emotions of hope and despair, love and loss, creating a masterpiece that continues to move audiences to this day.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, First MovementPyotr Tchaikovsky70rank/position
Nobuyuki Tsujii Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 – First Movement
Tchaikovsky, a composer who represents Russia in the 20th century.
This piece is composed in a free form that does not adhere to the traditional concerto structure throughout.
It opens majestically, with the piano striking heavy, bell-like chords.
The playful, rhythmic melody that follows is said to be taken from a folk song heard in Ukraine.
Partway through, the mood shifts dramatically to an emotional melody, after which the piano and orchestra press forward with powerful energy in dialogue.
Be sure to listen for the grand cadenza, rich in delicate expression!
