Tchaikovsky: March of the Toy Soldiers [from “The Nutcracker”] (Synthesized)

Tchaikovsky made a selection of eight of the numbers from the ballet before the ballet's December 1892 premiere, forming The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, intended for concert performance. The suite was first performed, under the composer's direction, on March, 19, 1892 at an assembly of the St. Petersburg branch of the Musical Society. The suite became instantly popular but the complete ballet did not begin to achieve its great popularity until after the George Balanchine staging became a hit in New York City. The suite became very popular on the concert stage, and was featured in Disney's Fantasia.

"March of the Toy Soldiers" (also known as "... Wooden Soldiers" - not to be confused with music from the 1934 film "Babes in Toyland" nor the 5th piano piece from Tchaikovsky's 1878 "Children's Album," Op. 39) is performed in Act One, Scene 2 of the original ballet, where an army of toy soldiers march as they prepare to follow their Nutcracker Prince in defending a beautiful young girl against the evil Mouse King.

I created this piece with shimmering percussives (particularly heard in the glissandos) and bright "brass" instruments to give it a fun pop-synth feel.

The use of headphones will greatly enhance the listening experience.