The Three-Minute Nutcracker (Tchaikovsky arr. Conley) for String Orchestra

Tchaikovsky's classic themes are finding a new audience! With the never-ending goal to keep the concert short, here's the essence (nine themes) of the classic ballet, honed down to three minutes or less. Stage it with a big hourglass-type egg timer, or with a projected digital stopwatch and let the audience watch as your orchestra works toward the finish. For added drama, Lloyd has provided an optional accelerando (molto, if need be) in the Trepak finale, to bring it in under the wire. Dur: 3:00.

Grade: 3-4