21 replies to this topic

[JosBiviano]

Hi Fraildove, I'm not sure if this helps, but the original score included a short number inserted in between The Chinese Dance (Tea) and the Trepak of Act 2. The number was composed by Tchaikovsky and it was to be called "Toffee" and was in the form of an English Jig. Todate, there is only one recording that I am aware of that has this variation included in the score---The Nutcracker (Complete Recording) John Lanchbery conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, issued on the MHS - Musical Heritage Society CD #MHS-522054X (2CDs). I have the recording and according to the booklet notes that comes with the set, it also states that the piece was removed after the first rehearsal as Petipa was not fond of it. The English Jig was also ommited from the published score, but able to be included in this recording thanks to its exsitance in a piano version. This piano version was orchestrated by Lanchbery.  Hopes this helps.  --Jos

[Fraildove]

That is exactly it!!!! Thank you so much... I will say this again, I absolutly love this board and the wealth of information it's members poses!!!

[carbro]

Here's a sampling: http://www.amazon.co...k...6978&sr=1-1 , track #11.

[Amy Reusch]

Cute!  I wonder no one else has made use of it?

[Joseph]

Interesting, I had no idea about this!

[cubanmiamiboy]

JosBiviano, on 17 October 2009 - 06:49 PM, said:

Hi Fraildove, I'm not sure if this helps, but the original score included a short number inserted in between The Chinese Dance (Tea) and the Trepak of Act 2. The number was composed by Tchaikovsky and it was to be called "Toffee" and was in the form of an English Jig. Todate, there is only one recording that I am aware of that has this variation included in the score---The Nutcracker (Complete Recording) John Lanchbery conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, issued on the MHS - Musical Heritage Society CD #MHS-522054X (2CDs). I have the recording and according to the booklet notes that comes with the set, it also states that the piece was removed after the first rehearsal as Petipa was not fond of it. The English Jig was also ommited from the published score, but able to be included in this recording thanks to its exsitance in a piano version. This piano version was orchestrated by Lanchbery.  Hopes this helps.  --Jos

Wow...I didn't know about the existence of this piece of music. Thank you!  

http://www.amazon.co...=dm_mu_dp_trk11

[lovemydancers]

Rochester City Ballet uses this variation in its Nut production.  They call it English Toffee, and the choreography is not a jig at all, but mostly jumps and turns on the diagonal.  The variation is for a single female, and the costume used to be a dark green velvet riding-style jacket/short skirt combo, with a white ruffled blouse with high collar, a feathered cap, and riding crop as a prop.  The costume was remade a few years ago using navy and peach colors, in the same style.  The dancer uses the crop with a whipping motion and also as a means to hold a hand at each end either in front of her or overhead during turns.

The variation is short but the music and choreography are exciting.  It is always a crowd-pleaser.