Publisher Description
A Timeless Christmas Story
E.T.A. Hoffman's magical tale of an enchanted nutcracker, an evil mouse king, and a faithful young girl has been a holiday classic for generations. Combined here with the much-loved music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, the narrated story unfolds with a bewitching blend of wonder and drama that is sure to delight time and time again.
The celebrated actress, Claire Bloom, rose to international fame after her appearance in Charles Chaplin's movie masterpiece, Limelight.
The classic tale of an enchanted nutcracker and an evil mouse king is paired with the sublime music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. A bewitching blend of wonder and drama that is sure to delight, time and time again. An ALA Notable Recording. Download and start listening now!
"Clare Bloom’s retelling of this classic Christmas masterpiece entwined with Tchaikovsky’s haunting music has brought back so many wonderful childhood memories of Christmas. I listen to this recording whenever I need soothing and at any time of the year."
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The Supreme Being (5 out of 5 stars)
About the Authors
Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776–1822), best known by his pen name E. T. A. Hoffman, was one of the major writers in the Romantic movement in literature. Born on January 24, 1776, in Königsberg, Prussia, he was the youngest of three children. He also was known as a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman, and caricaturist. His most famous story is “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” first published in 1816. The story inspired Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet The Nutcracker. Hoffmann died in Berlin, Germany on June 25, 1822, at the age of 46.
About Claire Bloom
Claire Bloom, CBE, is an English film and stage actress, known for leading roles in plays such as Streetcar Named Desire, A Doll’s House, and Long Day’s Journey into Night, along with nearly sixty films and countless television roles, during a career spanning over six decades. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 Queen’s birthday honors for services to drama.