Once again… The Worst Nutcracker Ever

Yes, it’s that time of year once again. For the fifth year in a row, I present to you:

The most fantastically awful performance ever of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Courtesy of John Corigliano, who emailed this to me back in 2004. (He’s one of those people who forwards things like crazy.) Where he found it, I’ve no idea, but I will be forever grateful to him for the Christmas “cheer” which I now share with you.

Enjoy — as best you can.

Comments

David Lovrien says

John, this is the Portsmouth Sinfonia, from their 1974 album "Portsmouth Sinfonia Plays The Popular Classics" - a true classic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portsmouth_Sinfonia

Jared says

Highlight of my day. Haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Especially the Also Sprach Zarathustra youtube vid. Man...lol.

Amy Price says

Thanks much for posting. Most interestingly, the players make the same 'mistakes' on the refrains, notably the xylophone player. There is method to this madness. >:)

Rachel Maxwell says

I am home on New Year's Eve as my husband is out gigging and this recording made me glad to be home. It is brilliant! I am most impressed with the consistency of the group (as noted by the comments above)!

Jessica Tong says

Amy, I'm not sure there's a xylophone in this, but I heard a celeste that may be what you think is a xylophone. Xylophones don't ring as much...

And to be honest, if all these musicians are being forced to play instruments that are foreign to their skills, this isn't half bad.

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