Chinese Dance (Nutcracker Suite)

About This Song

The Nutcracker is based on the book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman. Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) wrote the music for the ballet during the early 1890s, near the end of his life. “The Chinese Dance” (Danse Chinoise) is featured in Act II of the ballet along with the Spanish Dance, Arabian Dance, Waltz of the Flowers, and others. The 1892 premiere of The Nutcracker failed with both the public and critics. Unfortunately, Tchaikovsky never knew what a huge success the ballet would soon become, as he died less than a year later. Tchaikovsky was one of the greatest Russian composers of all time. He wrote the music for three of the most famous ballets: Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. Mr. Pasero’s transcription is the first adaptation for the guitar repertoire. He 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.