1958 Shaded Dog Living Stereo Original. Arthur Fielder Conducting The Boston Pops Orchestra. Indianapolis Stamper. "The Nutcracker Excerpts" is a classical music album consisting of selections from the famous ballet "The Nutcracker" by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The ballet was first performed in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, and has since become a beloved holiday classic. "The Nutcracker" was not an immediate success when it was first performed, but it gained popularity over time and has since become one of the most famous ballets in the world. The music, especially the famous Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Waltz of the Flowers, has become iconic and is often used in movies, television shows, and commercials. Overall, "The Nutcracker Excerpts" is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece.