Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, first seen in 1892, recounts the magical Christmas Eve of young Clara. Her adventures in the company of an enchanted prince inspired Tchaikovsky to such spellbinding numbers as the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Waltz of the Flowers and a sparkling series of national dances. Magic, albeit with tragic consequences, also inhabits La Sylphide, one of the first Romantic ballets, with music by the Norwegian-born Herman Løvenskiold.