Is Tchaikovsky’s score the only thing keeping The Nutcracker alive?
“Tchaikovsky also wrote scores for The Nutcracker (1892) and Swan Lake (1875). Unfortunately both of these ballets suffered from indifferent productions and they would have disappeared completely but for the music.” (Harrold, Robert, 1980, Ballet. Dorset: Blandford press.)
Tchaikovsky composed the score for Nutcracker from 1891–92 and the production was first danced on 18th December 1892 at The Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg Russia staged by Marius Petipa. It has subsequently been adapted by many choreographers and companies throughout the world, although it remains one of the most popular ballets often securing a longer run than any other production in a company’s calendar; Birmingham Royal Ballet have twenty-two performances of The Nutcracker at The Birmingham Hippodrome and only eleven of Sleeping Beauty there next longest run. It has also proved to be one of the most popular with audiences:
“The sales of tickets for The Nutcracker represent manna for dance companies, accounting for approximately half of their annual box office earnings.” (Renaud, L, 1991. Nutcracker Suite: a timeless musical fairytale http://www.scena.org/lsm/sm5-4/NutcrackerSuite-en.htm [16/11/2009])
Whilst the costumes, lighting, staging, characters and choreography have all been changed from one production to another the music has remained the same.
“I would also like to think that the main reason that Nutcracker has retained its perennial appeal is because of Tchaikovsky’s incredible score. Act One contains some of the most engaging and, at times, profound story telling music and Act Two has one glorious melody after another. After 110 years it retains its mystery, magic and the power to transport us to another world.” (Bourne, M http://www.matthewbournesnutcracker.com/ [16/11/2009])
Televisions advertising has immortalised Tchaikovsky’s score for ‘The Nutcracker’ and many of the general public who have never set foot in a theatre will be familiar with the sounds of this ballet heralding the start of the Christmas season. Dance of the Sugar Plum fairy has been used in advertising campaigns for: Always (2009) Warburton’s (2008) Pringles (2007) Andrex (2007). Whilst Danse de Merlitons will be fondly remembered as the overture for the Cadburys Fruit and Nut advert which first aired in 1998.
Whilst it can be said that the music does provide the core of the ballet, there must be other things drawing the audience in, otherwise The Nutcracker would be performed solely by orchestras in Symphony Halls as oppose to ballet companies in packed theatres throughout the world. I have consulted others reviews in order to support my theory that it is a combination of factors that maintain the ballet’s popularity.
“Clara’s flight on the back of a giant snow goose (always greeted with gasps of wonderment)”
(Dougill, D, 2007. ‘The Nutcracker’ The Sunday Times, December 9, 2007)
“Peter Wright’s interpretation of this favorite Russian classic is a Christmas stocking stuffed with a box of magic tricks, gorgeous dressing-up clothes, toy soldiers, furry animals, dolls in national costumes and – right at the very end of the toe - a scrumptious sugar plum. But one doesn’t have to be a child, or have a couple to take along, to be captivated by the ballet’s festive spirit.”
(Turner, S, 2008. ‘Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker, at Birmingham Hippodrome’ Birmingham Post – Life and Leisure, Nov 30 2008)
To conclude, whilst some may believe that the music is the only thing keeping the Nutcracker alive, I believe that it is the seamless blend of all the elements, along with a large dose of Christmas spirit that have maintained this ballets popularity all the way into the millennium.
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Definitely your academic piece.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is very well written with good structure.
You have used interesting quotations and can see that you have used the Harvard way of referencing.
I really enjoyed reading the part about Tchaikovsky's music been used in advertisements.
I was relieved to this as you have used many quotes and references and have still managed to put across an argument without been your own argument.
Dear Natasha,
ReplyDeleteYour piece of writing was a very interesting read. I enjoyed your writing style and the points that you raise. Your referencing was interesting and allowed your points to be backed up by various people with different views.
I agree with you when you say that it is a blend of all the elements that has kept the Nutcracker alive. Tchaikovsky’s score and the story line, fuse to create magic, which is still very much relevant to today’s audiences.
In the world we live in today, Christmas is a very important time of year; a time for celebration and joy. Tchaikovsky’s music is a lively and intense score, which is well recognized by many around the world. Those two elements combined create a ballet that is timeless and a worldwide success.
Your argument is clear and is supported by your relevant references.
I also enjoyed the fact that you pointed out that Tchaikovsky’s score was used in advertisements, and therefore allows audiences who do not attend theatres performances to be familiar with it. This surely is a strong piece of music if it can aid in the selling of products.
Have you come across anyone or group who believe that Tchaikovsky’s score is the only thing keeping the Nutcracker alive?
I look forward to hearing from you.
As with all good pieces of argumentative writing you have considered both sides of the argument before drawing you own informed conclusion which is backed up by evidence. I was pleased to see that you have used a wide range of sources drawing on the opinions of academics, critics and choreographers. I was impressed that you had found a quote by Matthew Bourne relating to the music by Tchaikovsky. It is the choreographer that creates the magic through movement, therefore I found it interesting to hear what Bourne thought of the music, the inspiration (or at least in part) of his choreography.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is well constructed and you have obviously researched into this topic. Your question could form the basis of a very in-depth essay, however you have constructed your argument and backed it up in a concise manor. It does make me wonder what is it about the classics that keep them going? No newer work has the worldwide recognition that the classics do, what is it about 'The Nutcracker', 'Swan Lake' and 'The Sleeping Beauty' that has given them such longevity. Every major Ballet Company throughout the world has performed the classics and yet newer work by choreographers like Wayne McGregor does not have the same notoriety?
Thanks for all of your comments :)
ReplyDeleteThey have given me some things to think about.