Pianist Alexandra Dariescu presents a reimagining of the classic ballet tale of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, with Alex herself taking the role of Clara, now a little girl longing to fulfil her dream of becoming a pianist. Alexandra performs extracts from the ballet in transcriptions by luminaries including Mikhail Pletnev and Percy Grainger, interspersed with narration from TV presenter Lindsey Russell in a new version of the story by Jessica Duchen.

The lavish book-bound release includes illustrations by Adam Smith, adapted from Yeast Culture’s cutting-edge digital animation that accompanies the show’s live performances.

Tracklisting:
1. Scene (arr. Tchaikovsky)
2. Miniature Overture (arr. Stepan Esipoff)
3. Opening Act I (arr. Gavin Sutherland)
4. March (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
5. The Battle (arr. Gavin Sutherland) / Pas de Deux in the Snow (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
6. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
7. Tarantella (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
8. Arabian Dance (arr. Stepan Esipoff)
9. Russian Dance (Trepak) (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
10. Chinese Dance (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
11. Dance of the Reed Flutes (arr. Stepan Esipoff)
12. Pas de Deux (arr. Mikhail Pletnev)
13. Waltz of the Flowers (arr. Percy Grainger)
14. Finale Act II (arr. Gavin Sutherland)