Arabian Dance (Nutcracker Suite)

About This Song

The Nutcracker is one of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s (1840–1893) most popular compositions. The music belongs to the Romantic Period and contains some of his most memorable melodies. The ballet contains surprisingly advanced harmonies and a wealth of melodic invention that is unsurpassed in ballet music. The “Arabian Dance” (Coffee Dance) is featured in Act II of the ballet and the song’s melody is actually based on a lullaby from the country of Georgia, Russia. Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer whose works included symphonies, concertos, operas, ballets, chamber music, and choral works. He was the first Russian composer whose music made a lasting impression internationally. Mr. Pasero began the transcription from the orchestral score in 1982 and completed the work in 1984, recording it in 1985. It was first released on vinyl records, then cassette tape, CD, and now downloads and streaming.