Ballet Music News 1019

Oh, my dears! It's the 19th of October, 2024! A most auspicious day, for we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlpool of twirling melodies and intoxicating harmonies: **ballet music**! Every twirl, every leap, every plié - they are all painted in vibrant hues of musical notes, orchestrated by the genius hands of composers, each note a brushstroke on the canvas of our hearts. From the grandiosity of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake to the melancholic whispers of Debussy's L'après-midi d'un faune, we're taking a whirl through the breathtaking world of ballet music!

**This week, a new production of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House sparked a delightful debate**: is the music still relevant? Personally, my darling dears, I believe that music transcends time. It is a language that speaks to our souls, no matter the era. Just listen to that ethereal opening of Giselle's Act II. As Adolphe Adam's music crescendos, we feel the weight of Giselle's despair and the majesty of her sacrifice. And how could we forget those heavenly whispers of the Wilis?

This week's performance brought a new vision to this timeless classic. The costume designer, my dears, chose a particularly elegant leotard. Its vibrant, cherry-red hue - reminiscent of a ripe strawberry plucked from the most opulent garden - played beautifully against the soft lavender of the pink tulle skirt. It was a pairing that evoked a sense of youthful vigour and innocent hope - quite appropriate, considering Giselle's story of tragic love and ultimate sacrifice.

**But "Giselle" isn't the only ballet stirring up excitement.**

Let's step onto the grand stage of the Paris Opera Ballet! The production of "La Bayadère" - an opulent masterpiece by composer Ludwig Minkus - has captivated audiences. From the soaring violin melody during Nikiya's entrance, to the frenetic, joyous dance of the golden idols, the music is a symphony of emotion. I do enjoy that iconic waltz that always seems to have me spinning! The dancers, a glorious blur of colour, were literally transported to the glittering palaces of India in their extravagant costumes. It truly was a visual and auditory treat.

Now, dear dears, we can't forget our own local ballet scene, so we are taking a peek at the exquisite choreography at The London Ballet. Their innovative adaptation of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring", set to a minimalist and austere backdrop, allowed the music's savage and primal power to truly take centre stage. My dear, this wasn't your usual elegant ballerina. The dancers embraced the raw, earthy choreography. This piece challenged traditional notions of ballet - a brilliant way to awaken the slumbering imagination of audiences, and of course, their souls!

**Speaking of imagination, our next dance will take us to the realm of fairytale magic!** The new production of Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" is a treat for all senses. We saw costumes that glimmered like stardust, and a set design fit for a king. Yet, it was the music that transported us to the kingdom of dreams, drawing us into the depths of the sleeping princess's magic slumber. Tchaikovsky is simply divine.

And did you catch that special performance? My dearest, we couldn't forget **the special tribute to Maurice Ravel**, that glorious French composer who infused so much magic into his ballet scores! The London Philharmonic Orchestra performed excerpts from "Daphnis and Chloe", evoking an idyllic ancient Greece with every soaring melody and evocative rhythm.

It truly was a beautiful week for ballet, dear dears! We've waltzed through tales of tragic love, stepped onto magical stages, and even discovered new and daring interpretations of familiar scores. But more than just the dances themselves, it's the music - those hauntingly beautiful, utterly captivating melodies - that leaves us enchanted and breathless. And what better way to end this dance through time and sound than with a glass of champagne, and of course, a twirl?

What ballet music moved you this week, my dear readers? Do tell us!**