Tchaikovsky: The enduring magician

Today I took my family to see the English National Ballet perform the Nutcracker. In a way, this is terribly predictable. It's nearing Christmas time so I must go and see the Nutcracker. But there's an irresistible urge to do so. Not especially to see the Nutcracker but for the sheer escapism to another world.

For the record, it was as good a performance as I've seen since 2003. As usual for the English National, the sets were sumptuous and the costumes dripping in luxury. The orchestra was of a very high standard under the tutelage of a high class conductor. But that speaks of the music, the sets and the costumes. What of the dance?

The Pas de Deux will linger long in the memory. Both principal dancers were on the top of their games and gave a flawless performance. The last night in Liverpool is tonight so the Matinee had much to live up to. It did not disappoint. There was not a seat to be had and if you want an indication of the performance, the army of small children present remained quietly enthralled to the end.

It's sobering to reflect that when this was first premiered by Tchaikovsky in 1877, it was roundly panned by the harsh Moscow critics. Deeply hurt, like Achilles he retired to his tent and did not emerge until 1890. When he did, he had revised the Nutcracker and the critics were won over. I'm glad he didn't give up because he re-invigorated a genre which had been dwindling throughout the early part of the nineteenth century.

This was the fifth time I've seen the Nutcracker and each performance brings a magic of it's own. In the catalogue of Tchaikovsky ballets, there is only Eugene Onegin which I have yet to see. His music epitomises the deep beauty of the music which came out of Russia in the late nineteenth century In those days, the rivalry was intense between the composing elite. On a trip to Paris during his retreat from ballet during the 1880s, Tchaikovsky heard an instrument he had not heard before. It's unique beauty captivated him and he immediately sought one. The celesta became a closely guarded secret. He used it to dramatic effect in the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is the point in the Nutcracker when you could hear a pin drop and today's performance was no different.

My first Nutcracker was in 1987 and it still holds it's audience enthralled. I can't recommend it highly enough and as an entry in to ballet, I would strongly recommend the Nutcracker as it has something for all ages. It got me when I was 18 and I'm still coming back for more. Congratulations yet again to the English National for a sterling performance - it was a privilege to be there.