The Nutcracker Suite by Duke Ellington Concert Band - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1496270

"The Nutcracker Suite" is an interpretation of the music from Tchaikovsky's 1892 ballet by American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington and his long-time collaborator and orchestrator, Billy Strayhorn. Recorded for Columbia Records in 1960, it features jazz interpretations of nine movements from the original work in various styles and in a slightly different order, including more exotic instruments than would normally be found in the jazz ensemble:

"Overture"
"Toot Toot Tootie Toot (Dance of the Reed-Pipes)"
"Peanut Brittle Brigade (March)"
"Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy)"
"Entr'acte"
"Volga Vouty (Russian Dance)"
"Chinoiserie (Chinese Dance)"
"Dance of the Floreadores (Waltz of the Flowers)"
"Arabesque Cookie (Arabian Dance)"

Now fully arranged for concert band, without piano (as Ellington didn't actually play very much on the original recording) this is a difficult work, but players and audiences will love it - starring roles are given to most of the band at various points and the original solos played by the Ellington orchestra have been included for authenticity but chords added as well, should your players wish to make their own music. The Oboe part doubles Cor Anglais in a few movements, but this is cued if not available and important moments are also sensitively cross-cued throughout should the ensemble not be complete - absolutely essential, however, are the drums and bass, who are ever-present throughout and provide the beating heart of the work. An excellent choice for Christmas, of course, but could come out at any time of year.

Also available separately:

Peanut Brittle Brigade:
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1602903/Product.aspx

Sugar Rum Cherry:
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1602888/Product.aspx

Dance of the Floreadores:
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1602867/Product.aspx.