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Nutcracker Background
Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called ``The Nutcracker
and the Mouse King" written by German author E.T.A. Hoffman
(1776-1822). It was published in 1816 as a rather morbid, depressing
story. It was revised by French author Alexander Dumas Pere
(1802-1870) in 1844 to appeal to children.
In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa (1819-1910)
commissioned Russian-born composer Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet. He heard the celesta, a
keyboard instrument with an ethereal sound and patented in 1886, and
was one of the first to compose for it.
On December 19, 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took
place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet
with choreography by Petipa/Ivanov, music by Tchaikovsky and decor by
Botcharov. The Sugar Plum Fairy was portrayed by Antoinette dell'era
and the Prince was Paul Gerdt.
The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to
America in 1940 when a shortened version was debuted by the Ballet
Russe de Monte Carlo in the United States.
The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition. Even
within the same ballet company, each year is unique because of
different dancers playing different roles. But it’s always a gorgeous
delight and no holiday season would be complete without
seeing.
The Nutcracker Ballet - The Story
ACT I
Scene 1
The house of a well-to-do family in old Germany
The Silberhaus household is engaged in a merry Christmas
celebration. Clara and her brother, Fritz, play with their friends as
more guests arrive. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather, arrives to
surprise everyone with his magic tricks and dolls. He turns several
dolls into life-size Columbine, Harlequin Clown, and Toy Soldiers
dancers. Drosselmeyer then produces his special gift for Clara – the
Nutcracker. Fritz snatches the doll and breaks the Nutcracker’s jaw.
Drosselmeyer binds the Nutcracker for Clara. The party ends and the
guests depart. Clara leaves her Nutcracker in a cradle and goes to
bed. Herr Drosselmeyer returns after everyone has left and permanently
mends the Nutcracker. He places the doll beneath the Christmas tree.
Scene 2
Clara cannot sleep, so she goes to the Nutcracker doll for comfort.
She sleeps and in her dreams, hears strange creatures around the
Christmas tree. They are giant mice, subjects of the Mouse King!
Drosselmeyer appears, and in his magic causes the dream to become more
real. Clara bravely confronts the mice, and the now life-sized
Nutcracker springs into action. The Nutcracker assembles a squadron of
toy soldiers to fight the army of mice and the Mouse King. The tide of
battle appears to favor the Mouse King and the Nutcracker is
threatened, but at a crucial moment, a daring rabbit pulls the mouse’s
tail and Clara throws her slipper at him. The Mouse King is so
distracted by his rage that the Nutcracker defeats him.
Herr Drosselmeyer next uses his magic to bring forth a beautiful
Christmas forest. He invites Clara to enter a land of enchanted
dreams. The Snow Queen and King and their dancing snowflakes guide
Clara through the moonlit countryside to the Kingdom of Sweets.
ACT II
The court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of
Sweets
Clara arrives at the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom
of Sweets. There, she is met by the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Attendants and
then by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. Beautiful dancers representing
many kinds of sweets and peoples dance in Clara’s honor. Dancers in
Spanish, Arabian, and Chinese costumes represent chocolate, coffee,
and tea. Candy Canes, Toy Flutes and Bon Bon Clowns also dance
exciting steps. Finally, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a
special Pas de Deux for Clara. Clara’s dream fades away as the
inhabitants dance a grand waltz and bid her farewell. |
