Guitar Quartet

The Nutcracker Suite (Pyotr Tchaikovsky)

  • guitar quartet

    • Guitars 1-4; optional Bass Guitar parts are included

  • ca. 25:00

Score/Parts PDF Previews


Program Notes

Composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ian Deterling.

  • Composed in 1892, The Nutcracker would be Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s third and final ballet (the first two being Swan Lake from 1875-76 and Sleeping Beauty from 1889). Based off of Marius Petipa’s adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fantasy story Nussknacker und Mausekönig (“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”), the ballet takes place on Christmas Eve in mid-19th century Vienna. Opening with a festive holiday gathering, the story follows Clara and her Nutcracker doll that comes to life and duels with the King Mouse. Although the ballet itself was not an immediate success, the music was well received and had high praise for its rich colors and beautiful melodies. Tchaikovsky took eight numbers from his score and combined them to form the instantly popular The Nutcracker Suite. A yuletide favorite for many, The Nutcracker is frequently performed every year during the holiday season. 

  • Instrumentation:

    • Guitars 1-4*

      • *Guitar 4 is available for Bass Guitar

  • Score and set of individual parts.


What do I get when I order The Nutcracker Suite?

  • You will receive the full score and a complete set of parts as individual PDF files.

  • Once your order has been processed, you’ll be emailed a link where you can download the sheet music.

  • When you click on the link to download your music, you’ll be brought to the download page (see image)

Download page for The Nutcracker Suite (Complete)

  • Note that the score and parts are separated into different PDF files (movements that are purchased individually have the score/parts grouped into one PDF document).

  • You can download everything (‘Download All’ button at the bottom), save the files to Dropbox, or download selected score/parts individually.

  • My website is set to three download attempts (see ‘3 downloads remaining’ in the image). If an error occurs or if you need additional download attempts, contact me here and I’ll reset the limit for you.


Score Videos