Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Salzburg Marionette Theatre (2009) [Blu-ray]

On Christmas Eve, the parents of Clara and Fritz have invited guests. Among them is Clara’s godfather Drosselmeyer, who presents her with a nutcracker. Clara is delighted and finally falls asleep with her Christmas present tucked under her arm. But at midnight Drosselmeyer appears as a wizard and transforms the Nutcracker into a prince. Together with the lovely prince, Clara begins a fantastic journey in a hot air balloon, out of a winter landscape, high into the clouds and down into a puppet land, where there are dances from various countries performed in their honour. Finally there is a Waltz of Flowers, danced by all. With the sound of the church tower bell the magic comes abruptly to an end. Early in the morning, the nanny rouses Clara from her sleep and awakens her from the wonderful dream. With a humorous, imaginative staging of Tchaikovsky’s composition and ballet scenes acted out in great detail, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre will immerse you in the story of Clara and the Nutcracker. Artfully directed puppets and puppeteers with the great ability to breathe life into the figures created this wonderful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterwork.

Recorded in Salzburg Marionette Theatre, 2009