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Tchaikovsky: Compositions, ballets, biography and more facts
Tchaikovsky's exciting festive favourite, The Nutcracker, was first performed in 1892. Despite being hugely popular today, critics weren't exactly complimentary after the premiere, calling the Sugar Plum Fairy 'pudgy'! Luckily, Tchaikovsky's innovative score was viewed slightly more favourably. (AFP Photo/John D McHugh)