SKU: A0.552407

Duo of the flowers from Lakme, Act I. A popular wedding selection.

Leo Delibes (1836-1891) was a French composer of the Romantic period best known for his ballets and operas. He was a child prodigy and began composing music at the age of seven. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where he developed a mastery of the symphonic form and wrote several pieces for the orchestra. His works for the stage are among the most popular and beloved of the Romantic era, including the ballets Coppélia and Sylvia, and the opera Lakmé.

Delibes was a pioneer in the use of orchestral color and instrumental effects to enhance the dramatic narrative of his works. His works are often praised for their lyricism, graceful melodies, and colorful orchestrations. His music is considered to be a bridge between the grandiose and romantic works of the French composers before him, such as Gounod and Berlioz, and the more intimate and melodic style of composers like Debussy and Ravel.

Delibes’ influence can be heard in the works of later composers such as Stravinsky and Prokofiev, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed today. His contributions to music history are significant, and his works remain beloved masterpieces of the Romantic era.

Léo Delibes' opera Lakmé is an opera in three acts. It was first performed in 1883 at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris. The libretto was written by Edmond Gondinet and Philippe Gille. The story is set in British-occupied India and tells the story of a young Indian girl, Lakmé, who is in love with a British officer, Gerald. The story follows the couple's romantic journey, as well as the obstacles they face from Lakmé's father and the British military. The opera is best known for its beautiful score, which includes the famous aria The Flower Duet as well as the duet Lakmé! The Bell Song. The opera has been performed in opera houses all over the world and is considered one of Delibes' most popular works.

The Duo des Fleurs, composed by French composer Léo Delibes, is a ballet pas de deux from the ballet Lakme, Act I. It is a beloved masterpiece of the Romantic period and is often performed as a standalone piece in many ballet performances. The piece is typically danced by two female ballet dancers and is known for its playful and lighthearted nature. The music consists of a melody that alternates between the two dancers and is often accompanied by a lighthearted waltz. The music has a strong sense of unity and connection between the two dancers, which is enhanced by the use of the same melody. The piece also features a beautiful soaring coda that gives it a sense of grandeur and beauty. The Duo des Fleurs is an exquisite piece of music and an enduring classic of the ballet repertoire.

SKU: A0.549781

Duration: ca 1:00 Score: 5 pages, Solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Short but fascinating Chinese Dance from the Nutcracker Suite. Program this for a recital encore or Christmas pageant.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact.

Education

First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five.

The Five

The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials.

Western Techniques

More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature.

Influences

Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique.

Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a

The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season.

SKU: A0.549760

Duration: ca. 3:15 Score: 10 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 4 pages. Tchaikovsky paints a very mysterious mood in this favorite masterpiece from the Nutcracker Suite. It is also a traditional Christmas favorite.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact.

Education

First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five.

The Five

The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials.

Western Techniques

More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature.

Influences

Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique.

Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a

The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season.