Faeries (from The Nutcracker): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Chip Davis / By Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky / As performed by Mannheim Steamroller / Arranged by Robert Longfield
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK00143440
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Description
Leave it to Mannheim Steamroller's Chip Davis to give Tchaikovsky's masterwork a new twist with an infectious, funky bass line, rock drums and a groove that takes ballet music to a different level. A perfect freshener for your holiday concert. Dur: 2:20
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00143440
More about this title
About the Composer: Chip Davis
Chip Davis founded Mannheim Steamroller in 1974 and became a defining voice in contemporary classical music by fusing orchestral arrangements with rock and pop sensibilities. His work across four decades has introduced millions of listeners to classical music through innovative reinterpretations, particularly during the holiday season, making him one of the best-selling classical artists of all time.
For music educators, Davis represents a crucial bridge between traditional classical repertoire and student musicians who grow up surrounded by contemporary production techniques and grooves. His arrangements prioritize accessibility without sacrificing musical depth, proving that artistic credibility and broad appeal can coexist.
Why we love this
Robert Longfield's orchestration brings genuine rhythmic vitality to Tchaikovsky's familiar melody without losing the elegance that makes this piece recognizable. String players get to sink their teeth into an actual groove instead of just executing note values, and that engagement transforms rehearsals and performances alike.
What to expect
Imagine the Nutcracker waking up in a recording studio and deciding to jam with a funk band. The Faeries theme floats over a propulsive, syncopated bass line and contemporary percussion, creating an infectious hybrid that respects Tchaikovsky's melody while refusing to take itself seriously.
Who it's for
Directors programming holiday concerts who want to energize audiences with familiar material presented in an unexpected way. String orchestras at grades 3-4 benefit from music that demands rhythmic precision and ensemble control while remaining genuinely fun to play.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the bass line with your lowest strings and any bass instruments available. The funky foundation is what separates this from straight ballet music, so that pocket needs to be rock solid before you layer in the melody.
- Balance the percussion carefully. Rock drums can easily overwhelm strings if you're not deliberate about dynamics; treat them as a textural layer rather than the lead voice.
- Let the melody singers breathe into the funk rather than fight against it. The tempo should feel relaxed and groovy, not rushed.
How to use it
Place this early in a holiday concert to reset audience expectations and create an energetic atmosphere that carries through the rest of your program. It works exceptionally well as a palate cleanser between heavier or more traditional pieces, or as a closing number if you want to send people out smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Playing against a rock groove while maintaining classical articulation
- Rhythmic precision with syncopated bass lines and contemporary percussion
- Balance and texture management when orchestral and rock elements coexist
- Stylistic flexibility and confidence performing outside traditional classical contexts