Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite [Hardcover]

It's a challenge to transform the Nutcracker Suite's romantic orchestra into jumpin' jazz melodies, but that's exactly what Duke Ellington and his collaborator, Billy Strayhorn, did.

Ellington's band memebers were not so sure that a classical ballet could become a cool-cat jazz number. But Duke and Billy, inspired by their travels and by musical styles past and present, infused the composition with Vegas glitz, Hollywood glamour, and even a little New York jazz.Anna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include THE FAREWELL SYMPHONY, PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION, GERSHWIN'S RHAPSODY IN BLUE, and VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.Record producers from across America flocked to Vegas to talk with Duke, but only Irving Townsend said what the bandleader wanted to hear. 
         You're the boss, Duke. Record whatever you want, said Irving. Just give me the go-ahead, and I'll draw up a contract.  
         Well, Strays, what do you think? Duke asked. Should we make a deal?  
         Depends, said Billy. What do you want to play?  
         I want to challenge myself...create music that can't be categorized, answered Duke. Got any ideas?  
        Billy looked out at the twinkling lights of the slot machines. A cold breeze wafted out of the air conditioner. Someone hit a jackpot. The sound of tinkling coins reminded Billy of sleigh bells. What about Tchaikovsky'sNutcracker Suite? he asked. 
        Irving stared at him without saying a word.CN