The Nutcracker

I have been somewhat out of sorts lately (you may have noticed). One thing that has cheered me a bit is my new copy of The Nutcracker--Dorati's Concertegebouw Orchestra recording. A lot of the tracks are relatively new to me--while I have of course seen the ballet (and would love to go again), there are a few tracks that get the most play, while the rest are known only to the hardcore fan.

When I reached three of those oft-played tracks tonight--the Arabian, Chinese, and Russian dances--I had to smile.

And now I'm to Waltz of the Flowers!