What is the main effect used by Tchaikovsky in "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" to create a dream-like atmosphere?

In "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," Tchaikovsky employs pizzicato strings as the main effect to establish a dream-like atmosphere. Pizzicato, which involves plucking the strings rather than bowing them, produces a light and delicate sound that contributes to the whimsical and ethereal quality of the music. This technique gives the piece a unique texture, enhancing the fairytale-like imagery associated with the Sugar Plum Fairy and creating an engaging auditory experience that transports listeners into a magical realm.

The use of pizzicato stands out distinctly among other techniques, each of which serves different purposes in music. While vibrato adds warmth and emotion, and fortissimo passages provide intensity and drama, they do not evoke the same delicate, enchanting quality that pizzicato accomplishes in this particular piece. Glissando, which involves sliding between pitches, can create fluidity, but does not specifically contribute to the airy, magical feeling that pizzicato does in this context. Thus, pizzicato strings are pivotal in drawing the listener into the enchanting world portrayed in this iconic ballet score.