Tag Archives: The Nutcracker

Arachnophonia: Tchaikovsky by David Brown

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features a biography of Russian composer Tchaikovsky. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Tchaikovsky by David Brown

Tchaikovsky_by_Reutlinger_(cropped)

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was one of the most famous Russian composers. The general public greatly enjoyed his music due to its tuneful melodies, perfect harmonies, and attractive orchestration, all of which together invoke a strong emotional response. He is known for the ballets Swan Lake (1877), The Sleeping Beauty (1889), and The Nutcracker (1892).

Tchaikovsky took up serious composing at the age of 14. In 1862 he began his studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, and starting in 1866, he began teaching at the Moscow Conservatory. Tchaikovsky revolutionized ballet: transforming it from a grand decorative gesture into a staged musical drama.

I’ve found Tchaikovsky’s music to be particularly useful for helping me focus while studying. Although his work can sometimes hijack your attention, I find it useful to break away from the books and listen to Tchaikovsky’s melodies as a break.

You can check out this book in the Parsons Music Library if you’d like to learn more about Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and his work.

Arachnophonia: The Nutcracker

Posted on by

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker”. Thanks, Xipeng!

The Nutcracker

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People might argue that it’s hard to understand ballet, but the stunning production of The Nutcracker by The Royal Ballet available on DVD in the Music Library will provide the audience with a different and impressive experience. The story behind the dancing scene evokes the inner feeling of everyone, and the music from Tchaikovsky endows dramatic, mysterious, and dreamy colors to the performance.

This recording from a performance in 1968 was performed by Merle Park, who was known for the brilliance of execution and virtuoso technique. The stage arrangement and design are relatively simple than in present days; however, the costumes and performers’ techniques were outstanding. My favorite part has always been the second act, where integration of international dance performance takes place: Spanish dancers represent chocolate, Arabian dancers are coffee, Chinese dancers are tea, while Russian dancers represent sugar canes.

As Christmas is approaching, check this DVD out in the Parsons Music Library! You can borrow a DVD drive from the front desk or use the equipment in the study rooms to watch the entire performance!

Nutcracker DVD cover