Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker “Pas de deux“ - piano, arr. M. Pletnev - performed by Luke Faulkner - 4K

My favourite piece to play and appropriate for the festive season, Pletnev’s transcription of the “Pas de deux“ from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker combines exquisite music with masterly piano writing. When playing it, you get a strong sense of the orchestra that the piano is trying to illustrate: harps at the outset, woodwind dialogue in the central section, sweeping string melodies omnipresent, and rapid flute scales embellishing the zenith. Playing this is about as close as I’ve ever come to being a conductor! Credit must go to Mikhail Pletnev, a true virtuoso, whose transcriptions are a treasure trove for pianists and enthusiasts alike. More about Tchaikovsky here: More about Pletnev here: More about The Nutcracker here: Have a great Christmas, everyone, and stay tuned for many original compositions to co