For those who think “The Nutcracker” ballet can only be appreciated by little girls taking dance classes, a new audio recording from Maestro Classics will be a wonderful surprise.
ETA Hoffmann’s story is narrated by Jim Weiss. Act I is positively thrilling as Clara receives her gift on Christmas Eve — the Nutcracker — which comes to life as a Prince and battles the Mouse King. In Act II, the Prince takes Clara to the Land of Sweets to watch dancers from around the world perform, and marvel at Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Excerpts from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet score, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Stephen Simon, are played to suspenseful effect.
The CD comes with a booklet listing the scenes (tracks), word puzzles, and child-friendly essays about the history of ballet, the harp, and Tchaikovsky.
Listening to this CD — recommended for kids ages 5 and older — and completing the activities will certainly serve to make the time magically fly by during your holiday travels.
“The Nutcracker” CD from Maestro Classics, $16.98 ($9.98 digital download), www.Maest
