2FM126 Quartet Plays The Nutcracker
Posted on Jun 03, 2026
2FM126 Quartet Plays The Nutcracker is the latest addition to our “Quartet Plays…” series. Having conducted for the ballet over many Christmases, Daryl Griffith has shrunk down Tchaikovsky’s majestic full score into perfectly Nutcracker-sized arrangements for string quartet, then doused them in sleigh bells, chimes and sparkles for good measure. This album visits the ballet’s highlights, from the Overture and March to the magical journey through the vibrant Land of Sweets (Coffee Dance, Tea Dance, Trepak and Mirlitons) then finally to the gorgeous Waltz of the Flowers and entrancing Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Tippett Quartet bring these pieces to life with their unparalleled virtuosity and feeling, their intimacy perfect for cozy Christmas moments and elegant festive occasions. Ideal for Christmas documentaries, advertising campaigns and diegetic music, all tracks are provided with the full Christmas mix as well as quartet-only “concert” and “diegetic” mixes to cater for broad usage. As well as 60s, 30s and stings, each main track has a selection of ready-made idents available, capturing each memorable tune in a digestible snippet. Stems are also on hand for further customisation.
Track Listing
- Overture
- March of the Toy Soldiers
- Trepak
- Coffee Dance
- Tea Dance
- Dance of the Reed Flutes
- Waltz of the Flowers
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Credits
| Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky | Composer |
| Daryl Griffith | Arranger |
| John Mills | Violin I |
| Jeremy Isaac | Violin II |
| Rachel Roberts | Viola |
| Bozidar Vukotic | Cello |
| Rhiannon Hitt | Producer |
| Ronan Phelan | Recording Engineer |
| Ben Griffin & Joshua Tidd | Festive Programming |
| Joshua Tidd | Audio Editor |
| Ben Griffin | Mix Engineer |
| Daniel Goodridge | Mastering Engineer |
| Esme Hollier | Album Artwork |
Recorded at Masterchord Studios, London
