It is difficult to quantify how many people in the world attended a performance of The Nutcracker. Probably billions, maybe more. And yet, in 130 years, not one has taken advantage of the work as its composer, Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky, had imagined.
This is the incredible mistake discovered by John Stubbs, violinist with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and musical director of the California Ballet Company. Research by the 68-year-old musician revealed that a section of Act II of Nutcracker, called the Chinese dance, was originally composed for two flutes … although it has been played by a flute and a piccolo for over a century.
According to information from San Diego Union-Tribune, it would be a transcription error during the first impression of the work. John Stubbs was only able to track it down because he was interested in the original score for The Nutcracker, found in the manuscript archives of Tchaikovsky himself. His find was the subject of an article on the study group’s website Tchaikovsky Research.
This simple change of instrument can be seen as a detail, but in reality it would undoubtedly modify the “color” of the instrument. Chinese dance, according to Betsy Schwarm, music historian. “The piccolo adds that clarity we’re all used to. Two flutes would make it darker, ”she explains.
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For John Stubbs, it is obvious that the piece must now be played as its composer intended. Also, the California Ballet Company, which he directs, will perform the original version of Nutcracker from the end of the year, if the health situation allows it. “It’s a very simple correction, and people will then be able to hear what Tchaikovsky had planned”, rejoices the musician.
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