Song #5 - The Nutcracker Suite

December 5
Song #5

"The Nutcracker Suite"

Go with me here. I know that "The Nutcracker Suite" is more than just one song, but this is my blog and I can change the rules when I want. I say, Tchaikovsky's masterpiece is meant to be listened to in its entirety, so really, it is like one song...right? 

I'm not picky about versions as long as there are no synthetic sounds involved. Full orchestras, please. 

Some of you may consider this blasphemous, but I've never really been a fan of the ballet. (Of course, I wanted to be a ballerina when I was young, but that's beside the point.) But, Tchaikovsky is my favorite composer (I also love Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake) so it would stand to reason that I'd enjoy this music very much. Actually, the performance of the Nutcracker Suite that I like best (outside of pure listening, of course) hearkens back to my elementary and middle school years. Oh, heck. And my high school, college, and adult years. I've seen it countless times, and it never gets old. My family quotes lines from it year-round. Are you ready? It's

The Care Bears Nutcracker Suite!
(Here is the original VHS cover - just like my family had. I mean, has.)


If you haven't ever seen this gem, I highly recommend it! You can rent it or purchase it on Amazon Prime! Or come on over and watch with me because of course, I own it!

Even if you don't like the ballet, or The Care Bears, you can still enjoy this music!

Here you go:
I didn't preview this entire YouTube video, but it's over an hour long, so I have a good feeling about this one.

Short on time? One of my favorite movements is Op. 71, No. 1 - The Christmas Tree.