It is Boxing Day, December 26th 2023. Oh darling! Christmas is officially over and what a magical and decadent festive season we have had. I do hope all my lovely readers and dance aficionados have recovered from all the lavish feasting, gifting, and joyous revelry that accompanies such a special occasion. A big, bright, beautiful, bold *Merry Christmas* to you all from this, your devoted and fashionable, ballet devotee!
Today, I thought Iâd share with you my love of ballet, its rich history and glorious tradition and discuss the musical scores that underpin every elegant, flowing movement, each dramatic gesture, and every exquisite pointe-work sequence. Yes, thatâs right, we are celebrating and giving ourselves the gift of discussing the music of ballet, from the grand classical masterpieces to the contemporary marvels and everything in between!
As you might have guessed from my somewhat whimsical and effusive introduction, todayâs newsletter will not just be an overview of classical and contemporary ballet music. Oh no, we are diving deep into the magic, and the mystique, of the musical scores. We will explore the captivating composers, the intricacies of the scores, and their undeniable impact on the balletic narrative and our understanding of the dance itself. I will give you insights into the ways this magnificent marriage of music and dance transcends mere entertainment to touch our very souls. It elevates, inspires and, quite honestly, it makes us feel *so good*!
My dear readers, I want to take a moment to highlight a critical point about ballet music. While we are mesmerized by the visual grace and technical brilliance of the dancers on stage, letâs not overlook the musical heartbeat that propels every movement. It's truly a seamless partnership - dance cannot exist without the guidance of the score. And music takes on new life through the language of dance.
What is it about ballet music that pulls us into another dimension?There is an almost mystical element to ballet music, isn't there? When the music starts and those dancers are bathed in the soft glow of the stage lights, time ceases to exist and the audience is utterly enthralled. Our own inner rhythm takes over as the dancers effortlessly interpret every tempo change, every lyrical phrasing, and every grand climax. They translate the composersâ creative vision into an elegant ballet language of movement and form.
As I have already hinted, classical music has long reigned supreme in the ballet world, with masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Debussy, and Prokofiev still gracing the stages of iconic theaters across the world today. But, hold your horses my little dancing bunnies, the contemporary ballet world has embraced a far broader musical palette â from minimalist scores and electrifying jazz rhythms, through to modern electronica and even a smattering of pop. It is important to recognize the diversity of music that fuels the dance in the 21st century.
The Classics.Here I'm going to go through some of the *classic* examples of musical scores that have become synonymous with the dance.
* Tchaikovsky's _Swan Lake_: When we talk about iconic ballet scores, we cannot, in any way, overlook Tchaikovsky's breathtaking masterpiece, *Swan Lake*. This magnificent score paints the tragic tale of Princess Odette and the noble Prince Siegfried using captivating melody, and stirring orchestral power, from the romantic theme of the "White Swan" to the mesmerizing âDance of the Little Swans.â It has, quite rightly, been called the *most romantic of all classical scores*. Oh, it has the *power* to draw you into its tale of love, tragedy, and hope, leaving a lingering echo of magic. * Stravinsky's _The Rite of Spring_: Now for something entirely different. _The Rite of Spring_! Here, we encounter the revolutionary spirit of Igor Stravinsky who tore apart the conventional norms of classical ballet with his music. Its jarring, hypnotic rhythms, along with its primitivist themes, sparked both admiration and controversy at its 1913 premiere. The musical force that this score possesses to this day makes you *want* to see the dancers thrash, and flail, with their primal movements - just like the choreographer intended! Itâs one of the most impactful, challenging, and, I dare say, truly revolutionary works in all of dance history. * Debussy's _LâAprès-midi dâun faune_: Oh my, itâs hard to choose favourites but I simply love *LâAprès-midi dâun faune*. Debussy's score was the embodiment of the artistic awakening at the turn of the century. It is a triumph of impressionistic musicality that creates a dreamy, poetic, and suggestive landscape. I remember when I first saw this ballet it felt like my whole being was swept away into an ethereal realm â so atmospheric. It was also a breath of fresh air when the ballet was premiered in 1912 - a world away from the stiff grandeur of 19th-century ballet! Contemporary Visions in Ballet MusicThe world of contemporary ballet is, well, let's be honest - a dazzling world of innovation. Composers of contemporary scores are taking inspiration from *every* possible source: * Minimalism * Electronic Sounds * World Music Rhythms * Jazz
You name it â these artists are truly using the magic of music to transform the way ballet is conceived. As an avid ballet-lover I feel an immense sense of excitement as I watch the world of contemporary ballet evolve before my very eyes, embracing so many diverse musical landscapes.
From Score to Stage - Creating Ballet MagicYou might be wondering: *How do ballet composers come up with this kind of incredible, immersive music* and *What does it actually take to weave it together with the dancers' movements?** Well, the answer to that question, my dear, is an interplay between skill, imagination, and a touch of magic. This collaboration often begins with the choreographer - it could be for a brand new piece, or it could be the restaging of a classical ballet, the musical landscape has to support the artistic direction of the choreographer.
* The Choreographer's VisionThe choreographer is essentially the director. They guide the musical director or composer. They provide sketches of what they envision - be it themes, styles, moods - then the composer gets to work.
* Musical Interpretation: The Dance of ImaginationNow comes the true magic. A composerâs musical interpretation can make all the difference - the mood, the story, the way the choreographer wants the audience to respond. This means the music has to truly blend with the dancers' movements, be able to guide their every expression.
The Ballerinaâs Best Friend: The LeotardOf course, no discussion of ballet music, especially the kind of ballet we have been celebrating, could ever be complete without some focus on the beautiful, the graceful, the essential: The Ballerina's Leotard!
As every ballerina, and, frankly, every serious fashionista knows, the leotard is *so much* more than just a simple garment. It's the foundation upon which everything else rests, a perfect blank canvas for any ballerinas artistic, expressive spirit to flow through.
You see, a ballerina's wardrobe doesnât *just* include shimmering, glittery tutus, flowing skirts and delicate pointes. Leotards are the core of it all, the ultimate symbol of a ballerinaâs disciplined elegance. It can transform her as she stretches, she warms up, she takes her position. A ballerina needs to move freely, she needs to feel confident, she needs to *know* she's the graceful beauty sheâs destined to be!
Speaking of fashion, oh my, you all *must* get yourselves a leotard in the colour of my very own signature pink tutu. My dear readers, let me assure you â when you step into one of these exquisite leotards - just like a *true* ballerina - the world shifts just a little, doesn't it?
The Legacy of Ballet Music: A Timeless TaleTo wrap up this celebration of music in the magical realm of dance, let's take a moment to reflect on the lasting impact that these melodies and scores have had upon generations. Every great ballet, every spectacular dance number, is defined by the powerful symphony, the lyrical aria, and the compelling rhythm that accompany it. Ballet music inspires emotion, moves the audience, and shapes the very fabric of these captivating and expressive forms of dance. It will continue to enchant, mesmerize, and transport audiences for decades to come! I *do* think that the marriage of music and ballet is an enchanting, everlasting love affair, wouldn't you say, my dear, sweet, reader?