The main string theme is then presented again which leads into an oboe solo. The horns repeat their opening theme but this time both a solo flute and clarinet play an intertwining melody. The luscious deep texture here from the strings is complemented by the upper winds playing decorative interludes. The whirling clarinet figure is then developed and creates the gateway for the strings to play out their iconic theme. Underneath the melody are the strings, whose repetitive ‘oom-pah’ figures highlight the 3/4 waltz atmosphere. Led by the french horns and clarinets, this first theme acts as a call and response section before the orchestra begin to unify.
The glissandos played by the harp lead into its top register, before it all trickles back down into the first theme of the waltz.
The mystical qualities that are often associated with the harp make it a top choice for a work like this. Opening with a duo of oboes that play a flavour of the main melody to come, this sets the scene for magical harp cadenza. However, the piece does not immediately start with a celebratory feel, and this is built up throughout the duration of the work to make the climaxes even more effective for the listener. Waltz of the Flowers is the final dance of the ballet where all the Sugar Plum Fairy’s sweets celebrate Clara and the prince. It’s not only Waltz of the Flowers that has become one of the most well-known works from The Nutcracker, but also Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and it’s iconic Overture have both reaped the successes of this well-loved ballet. He used the love he had for his sister to create the iconic melodies from Waltz of the Flowers. He famously used his fear of mice to create the dynamic music for the army of mice and the battle. Whilst at sea, Tchaikovsky penned much of the music for The Nutcracker, and often struggled for inspiration. He told his fellow musicians that “It’s awfully fun to write a march for tin soldiers, and a waltz for flowers!” During this time Tchaikovsky was experiencing some emotional turmoil after the death of his sister. The lightheartedness of this ballet comes across in Tchaikovsky’s playful music. As a time honoured tradition each set of guests must dance for the prince, which no doubt comprises some of Tchaikovky’s most evocative and colourful music. For her help she is rewarded with a prince who takes her into his kingdom of sweet and other scrummy delights. Clara comes to the aid of the nutcracker in his explosive battle with the army of mice. The young girl, named Clara, is gifted a magical nutcracker in the costume of a soldier for Christmas. A Hoffmann’s 1816 fairytale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which tells the story of a young girl who adventures into the ‘Land of Sweets’ on Christmas Eve.
The ballet was premiered at Christmastime in 1892, and has since been one of the most popular ballets in the world. Tchaikovsky’s iconic Waltz of the Flowers is a piece of orchestral music that features in the second act of his ever-loved festive ballet The Nutcracker. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers Context
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