Dearest readers, it is with a heart filled with pirouettes and a soul swathed in tulle that I welcome you to this, a day devoted to the celestial sounds of ballet music. For today, January 31st, 2027, is a day for celebration, for the dance, for the grace, and for the stories whispered by the strings.
This year, the world has waltzed, pirouetted, and leapt to the rhythm of a magnificent score of new works. It seems the music, the lifeblood of any ballet, has embraced bold innovations and embraced familiar classics, creating an intricate tapestry of sounds that echoes the intricate dance of our times.
From the soaring, dramatic flourishes of a newly composed score to the heart-stopping crescendo of Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake', we've journeyed through the ethereal beauty of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' to the joyous, vibrant energy of Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring.' It's a breathtaking panorama of musical emotion, echoing in our hearts as powerfully as the graceful leaps of the dancers.
This week's musical ballet review focuses on some noteworthy events that have captivated audiences:
- The London premiere of 'Aurora's Dream' was nothing short of spectacular. This ballet, composed by the up-and-coming British composer, Serena Knight, tells the story of Aurora, a young ballerina, searching for her place within the world of dance. Knight's music is a breathtaking blend of the delicate and the powerful, weaving together a haunting and captivating soundscape. The score perfectly captured the anxieties, triumphs, and emotional turmoil of Aurora's journey, resulting in a poignant, heart-wrenching story that will resonate with anyone who's ever dreamed of dancing on the grand stage.
And while Knight's 'Aurora's Dream' was a masterclass in original ballet music, let's not forget the iconic and unforgettable music of some legendary ballet composers:
- The Royal Opera House's revival of 'The Sleeping Beauty' was a breathtaking spectacle, not just due to its elaborate choreography, but thanks to the immortal Tchaikovsky's masterful score. The timeless music evokes a sense of enchantment, capturing the beauty, romance, and magic of the fairytale. From the exquisite waltzes of the Act I ballroom to the hauntingly beautiful 'Rose Adagio', Tchaikovsky's music transports you to a realm where dreams and reality intertwine. And oh, how those strings of 'The Rose Adagio' brought a tear to my eye - such exquisite beauty.
- And just last week, the New York City Ballet captivated us with their interpretation of 'The Rite of Spring'. Stravinsky's powerful, percussive score, while not always traditionally associated with graceful, flowing ballet movements, nevertheless, created a mesmerizing experience. The music, with its barbaric undertones, served as a compelling counterpoint to the choreography, ultimately conveying the intense energy of the story. It's a perfect example of how ballet music can be a vehicle for expressing a broad spectrum of human emotions and experiences.
This year's most anticipated event, however, has to be the world premiere of 'The Crimson Flower' next month. This grand new ballet, created by the avant-garde French choreographer, Lucien Dubois, promises to push the boundaries of ballet. Inspired by the captivating tales of 1001 Nights, the production features a powerful score written by the acclaimed Iranian composer, Nadia Azar, who has woven the beauty of her musical traditions into a modern soundscape that is sure to enthrall. This is an event I wouldn't miss for the world.
However, the beauty of the dance is more than just music and a dramatic performance. As we gather around to watch ballerinas leap and twirl across the stage, our eyes can't help but be drawn to the vibrant, flowing costumes. And if there's one piece that stands out for me, it's a leotard designed for 'Aurora's Dream' to perfectly compliment Aurora's famous pink tutu, the 'Whisper of Dreams' leotard.
Created by the acclaimed costume designer, Vivienne Le Rouge, the leotard is a masterpiece. Crafted from a delicate silk mesh, the leotard is a symphony of colour and texture. Its light and ethereal material reflects the grace and vulnerability of Aurora. The shimmering pink hue complements the tutu and echoes the blush of the sunrise. But there's more to this piece than just its aesthetic brilliance. The 'Whisper of Dreams' leotard represents Aurora's own dream - the aspiration of an artist, an individual, to take their place on a stage under the spotlight, their dreams taking form and reality as they leap and dance across the stage.
As the world eagerly anticipates what 2027 will bring to the world of ballet, we'll continue to watch the ballet dance beautifully across stages across the globe. As I type these words, the orchestra has begun, and my feet begin to tap in anticipation of what the year has in store for the world of ballet.
I'll leave you with a musical whisper for today: the enchanting, beautiful opening music of Tchaikovsky's 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Prologue'. This hauntingly lovely tune, its gentle harmonies and lilting melody, are perfect as the backdrop of an exquisite sunrise over a crisp winter morning. And just as the delicate notes weave a musical spell, a day for ballet has begun. Happy dance!
Yours always,
Elodie