Waltz of the Flowers

The Waltz of the Flowers comes from a larger work of Tchaikovsky’s called The Nutcracker Suite. The Nutcracker Suite was one of the last works that Tchaikovsky composed before his death. It is a ballet based on the German Christmas story by ETA Hoffmann The Nutcracker and The Mouse King.

Listening Guide:

Basics	Tempo: Tempo di Valse (Waltz Tempo) Key: D major Metre: Triple Time (3/4 time)
Rhythm	This movement features heavy use of semiquavers. There is a very strong dance-feeling to the music – largely coming from the oom-pa-pa figure from the basses, cellos and trumpets.
Dynamics	This movement uses very romantic dynamics with defined large crescendos and decrescendos. Very loud sections are often followed by soft dynamics as well.
Opening	This movement opens by featuring the harp and the horn section of the orchestra. This is accompanied by a flowing, sweeping melody in the strings and answering statements from the woodwinds.
Ending	This movement ends with a fff (very, very loud!) with the entire orchestra playing. It finishes with a rather grand, full carnival feeling.

Listening Questions:

As you listen to the Waltz of the Flowers, listen for the following features:

The harp solo at the beginning of the piece
The oom-pa-pa feeling in the basses and cellos (123, 123 etc)
Flowing melody in the strings (violins etc) answered by the woodwinds (flutes, oboes etc)
Loud passages followed by soft passages
Other: Make a list of any other interesting features, styles or patterns you hear (keep in mind the things you have learned about Tchaikovsky and music from the Romantic era)

Note: If you miss one or more of the above features, go back and listen to the piece again carefully until you can hear all of them in the music.

CONGRATULATIONS!

By answering those 5 questions, you have just collected:

1 Piccolo

2 Flutes

2 Oboes

2 Clarinets

2 Bassoons

YOUR ORCHESTRA IS NOW COMPLETE!

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