In Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a Christmas celebration opens into a nocturnal adventure. The music transforms the world of toys into scenes of snow and dance, moving from delicate instrumental colours to sweeping orchestral climaxes. i Work Information Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) Title The Nutcracker — Щелкунчик / Casse-Noisette , Op. 71 Genre Fairy ballet in two acts and three scenes, in its original arrangement Composition 1891–1892 Literary source E. T. A. Hoffmann’s Nutcracker and Mouse King , through Alexandre Dumas’s adaptation Scenario Ivan Vsevolozhsky and Marius Petipa Original choreographic production Lev Ivanov, working from Petipa’s plan Premiere 18 December 1892 — 6 December under the Russian calendar then in use — at the Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg; conducted by Riccardo Drigo Musical structure An overture and 15 numbered sections, several containing individual dances or subdivisions Duration of the music Appr...