Welcome to Nutcracker Transcriptions, your premier source for professional-quality critical edition music from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker, meticulously transcribed for chamber orchestra. We specialize in providing finely crafted transcriptions of this timeless classic, designed specifically for professional musicians. Whether you’re preparing to perform the enchanting “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” the vibrant “Russian Dance,” or any other iconic piece from this magical ballet, our collection offers the precision and detail you demand. Explore our website to find and purchase the perfect transcription to elevate your chamber orchestra’s next performance with the magic of the Nutcracker.
About
Background: The chamber orchestra transcription of the Nutcracker Ballet was commissioned by the Venice Symphony in Florida at the request of the orchestra’s Music Director Troy Quinn, and their Vice President of Artistic Operations Dana Kimble. In order to preserve the canon of symphony orchestra music in America and to lower the cost of presenting these works via chamber orchestras in underserved areas, Michael Drapkin developed a series of methodologies and principles for transcribing major symphonic works. To prove the viability of these methodologies, Drapkin transcribed three major orchestral works for chamber orchestra – Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol and Richard Strauss: Salome’s Dance. The Strauss work was particularly challenging and was the ultimate test of his techniques. Those three works were recorded by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava in the Czech Republic conducted by Mark Laycock, who has conducted the Philadelphia Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and many others. These recordings were released on Naxos – the world’s largest classical record label – by Zarex Corporation. Naxos also submitted Drapkin’s Strauss transcription recording for Grammy consideration. These works have since been performed on three continents. Video recordings of these works may be heard at Drapkin’s website at xb5.com/6. You may also read about Michael Drapkin at xb5.com/1. Drapkin’s other transcriptions may be rented or purchased at bassclarinet.net.
Acknowledgements: Profound gratitude to Quinn, Kimble and the Venice Symphony for commissioning this significant endeavor, which involved 1,500 pages of scores and parts. Special appreciation is extended to the members of the Venice Symphony who diligently proofread their parts and offered valuable suggestions and corrections. Additional thanks go to Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director of the Key Chorale, for his meticulous proofreading of the score and for conducting its world premiere at the Venice Performing Arts Center on December 8, 2023. Lastly, no acknowledgment would be complete without mentioning my lifelong friend and esteemed colleague, John Bruce Yeh of the Chicago Symphony.
Invitation: Visitors to the Florida Gulf Coast in December are encouraged to experience a live performance of this transcription by the Venice Symphony. Details at The Venice Symphony website.
Full Ballet Score
The Nutcracker Ballet, Op. 71 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1892), transcribed for Chamber Orchestra.
The Critical Edition.
This transcription faithfully reproduces the entirety of Tchaikovsky’s original full orchestra score, only for 26 instrument chamber orchestra transcribed by Michael Drapkin. The premiere took place on December 8, 2023 at the Venice Performing Arts Center in Florida by the Venice Symphony with Joseph Caulkins conducting. Available via rental.
Below are videos of the live premiere performance, made by hi-def camera at the back of the concert hall. This unedited video contains audience noise. Click the bottom right box for full screen.
The Nutcracker Ballet, Act 1, transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. Live premiere performance.
The Nutcracker Ballet, Act 2, transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. Live premiere performance.
The Nutcracker Ballet, Act 1, transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. Score playback generated by Sibelius with NotePerformer.<\strong>
The Nutcracker Ballet, Act 2, transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. Score playback generated by Sibelius with NotePerformer.<\strong>
Michael’s well-crafted transcription maintains what Tchaikovsky intended yet makes this work available to those with leaner budgets or smaller forces to perform this timeless classic.
Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director, Key Chorale and Nutcracker conductor.
Suites
Welcome to our Chamber Orchestra Suites Collection
Explore the timeless elegance and captivating charm of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker through our meticulously crafted transcriptions for chamber orchestra. We offer a diverse selection of suites that capture the essence of this beloved ballet, allowing you to experience its magic in a new and intimate setting.
Each work in our collection has been carefully arranged to preserve the intricate details and emotive power of Tchaikovsky’s original score, making them perfect for both professional performances and personal enjoyment. Whether you’re a ballet company or a chamber orchestra, our chamber orchestra works provide an unparalleled way to connect with one of the most iconic works in the ballet repertoire.
Dive into our collection and bring the enchantment of The Nutcracker into your own musical journey.
The Nutcracker Suite for Chamber Orchestra
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker Suite, expertly transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. This exquisite 22-minute arrangement captures the essence and beauty of the original composition, offering a delightful and enchanting musical journey.
The Nutcracker Suite, transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. Score video rendering by Sibelius/NotePerformer. Overture miniature, March, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, Trepak, Arabian Dance, Chinese Dance, Dance of the Mirlitons, Waltz of the Flowers.
More Nutcracker Suite for Chamber Orchestra
Enjoy the enchanting essence of Act 2 of The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring delightful numbers not included in Tchaikovsky’s original Nutcracker Suite. This beautiful 18-minute chamber orchestra suite has been masterfully transformed by Michael Drapkin.
More Nutcracker Suite, transcribed for chamber orchestra, transcribed by Michael Drapkin. Score video rendering by Sibelius/NotePerformer. The Enchanted Palace of the Land of Sweets, Spanish Dance, Mother Ginger and the Puppets, Pas de Deux, Tarantella, Coda, Final Waltz, Apotheosis.
Waltz of the Snowflakes
Immerse yourself in the enchanting final section of Act 1 from The Nutcracker Ballet, beautifully transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. This exquisite piece, featuring a captivating chorus, offers a magical six-minute experience that stands alone as a masterful work of art.
Waltz of the Snowflakes, transcribed for chamber orchestra, transcribed by Michael Drapkin. Score video rendering by Sibelius/NotePerformer.
A Fir Forest in Winter
Delight in the enchanting pas de deux from Act 1 of The Nutcracker Ballet, skillfully transcribed for chamber orchestra by Michael Drapkin. This charming 4-minute piece evokes the serene beauty of a winter forest and brings the magic of the ballet to life.
A Fir Forest in Winter, transcribed for chamber orchestra, transcribed by Michael Drapkin. Score video rendering by Sibelius/NotePerformer.
The Nutcracker Ballet on NutcrackerTranscriptions.com captures the essence of Tchaikovsky’s original composition with exceptional detail and clarity, making it a joy for the audience to experience.
Dana Kimble, VP of Artistic Operations, Venice Symphony (Florida)