Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker rendition by Ellington

Bill Eddins is back, he sets up the Tchaikovsky piece, one he is clearly fond of. He also remarks that the piano is closed and will stay that way for the remainder of the concert, he’s done with that! He talks of kids growing up thinking there were 5 seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter and Nutcracker – cause it comes every year.

Having seen the Nutcracker a year ago, this also brings back memories. But this rendition has indeed been “jazzed” up by the Duke himself. It’s familiar, and yet at the same time, it’s not.

Where are the percussionists? I can’t see any of them. I can hear symbols tapping and a beat, where are they hiding? Ah, there he is, hiding amongst the cellos. I have forgotten my symphony set up diagram from music in grade 4. What’s wrong with me?!

Good Version, Will Buy a CD Of It

I like this version. The original is classic, but this is great! Hip, jazzy, fresh. Now I might have to seek out a CD of this recorded somewhere. With Duke’s orchestra perhaps?

The Waltz of the Flowers has never sounded like this!

Sugar Plum Fairies has become sultry and seductive. Oh my! A sax solo no less. Very “Henri Mancini” like. I can see the ballerinas having fun with this one. I’d LOVE to see the Alberta Ballet do THIS version of the Nutcracker next year – sign me up!

Back to peppy again. I feel like I should be in a blues bar or the Yardbird right now.

Rob is the water nazi! He keeps making me drink water whether I want it or not!

Jazz Makes Me Feel Like a Cat

I don’t know why jazz makes me think of felines. Something about it is slinky, sneaky like a cat. Or maybe because I’ve become more acquainted with two of them since they moved into my basement. Pumpkin is the happy, spunky bits – Boo is the dark moody, swipe you with a paw bits. Both a bit mischievous, just like jazz.

I actually don’t remember the last time I went to the Edmonton Symphony. Ballet yes, but they hide there. I don’t think I’ve even been to the Winspear in about 3-4 years. I was way overdue. Thanks ESO for this chance to reconnect with this great music through your Blogging The ESO program. We really appreciate being asked to participate.

So thus endeth the concert. As the maestro shakes hand with the Concert Master, the people stand once again.

Well, so that’s it from the Bloggers Room. Until next time, I need to bring my Japanese drummer student to do this too!

The final page of the Edmonton Symphony’s Blogging The ESO: one last after thought . . .