Ballet Music News 566

Ah, ballet music. The very sound of it conjures images of graceful limbs, shimmering costumes, and stories spun from the most ethereal of fabrics. It's a language all its own, capable of conveying emotions both grand and delicate, joyous and sorrowful. On this enchanting day, January 15th, 2026, let's celebrate the magnificent world of ballet music and all the ways it continues to move us.

We’ve just seen the release of “Danse Macabre,” the first full-length ballet by rising star choreographer, Daniel Moreau, a man who is truly ushering in a new era for ballet. The story tells a whimsical and evocative tale set to the music of the one and only, Camille Saint-Saëns. It’s a ballet full of powerful imagery that truly captured my imagination and made me see the potential of ballet to become more engaging and appealing for younger generations. It really resonated with a whole new demographic; and let’s face it, our youth are going to be the future of ballet!

Moreau’s "Danse Macabre," a masterful blend of neoclassical ballet and contemporary influences, explores themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of time through its choreography. It was not without a sense of danger and mystery - there is a captivating allure in Moreau's creation, he really made that piece sing.

However, some critics haven't embraced the innovative techniques of the work - some find that his unique style is perhaps a little too out there! Yet, his choice of the Saint-Saëns’ symphonic poem, with its ominous strings and haunting melodies, proves ingenious - as it perfectly lends a dark and beautiful texture to his dance piece, enhancing the themes he is trying to portray.

It seems that there is a movement afoot; the current dance season has seen a plethora of new ballets exploring the possibilities of orchestral arrangements and modern music, with an exciting focus on the emotional depth these pairings can create. I can only expect the current interest in music composition to continue with composers like Ben Frost, Max Richter, and Bjork having already produced ballets to great critical acclaim.

• Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" This masterpiece has been captivating audiences for generations. Its haunting melodies perfectly mirror the tragic love story of Odette, the Swan Queen, and Prince Siegfried.
• "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky. This enduring holiday classic tells the magical tale of Clara and her adventures with the Nutcracker Prince. Tchaikovsky's score bursts with energy, whimsical charm, and delicate moments of pure sweetness.
• "Giselle" by Adolphe Adam. Another Romantic ballet masterpiece, "Giselle" features an intoxicating score that reflects the dramatic story of a young peasant girl who dies of heartbreak and becomes a wilis - spirits who seek revenge on men. Its haunting melodies and poignant passages are truly captivating.
• Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" A true revolution in ballet music, Stravinsky's score is unlike anything that had ever been heard in a ballet. This masterpiece uses unconventional rhythms, dissonances, and pulsating harmonies, its score was so different from anything anyone had heard in the theatre and that's why it created so much furore, but also much artistic awe.

But there's more to ballet music than these famous scores. Here’s something to add to your playlist - why not indulge in some lesser-known, but equally beautiful and intriguing ballet scores:

• Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" is a dramatic score that masterfully reflects the story of love, jealousy, and betrayal. One can only imagine that this is a testament to Shakespeare's masterpiece.
• Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring" is a score that has both a modern, exciting and nostalgic, calming quality. This ballet has always felt especially relatable to me, and if you want to step into Americana this is the score to explore.
• "Les Noces" by Igor Stravinsky. Another extraordinary work of musical innovation, "Les Noces" presents a stunning musical canvas full of rhythmic vitality. The powerful, primal music paints a beautiful image of the story’s traditional wedding.

Of course, no discussion of ballet music is complete without mentioning the pivotal role of the orchestra, an essential part of the ballet's world. The orchestra not only provides the sonic tapestry for the dance, but its musicians serve as crucial partners with the dancers.

As for what's coming up in the world of ballet, the season is filled with excitement and innovative projects.

And now, on to a fashion tangent, you know I can’t resist:

This season, a delicate pink tutu is making quite the stir on the scene - a vision of soft, swirling elegance - and the perfect pairing is an equally chic and delicate leotard that compliments the ballet’s colour scheme, yet provides that extra splash of something unexpected, with bold, metallic accents that are both sophisticated and dazzling. I do love how modern, fashion influences seep into the realm of ballet. What we see in ballet reflects the contemporary sartorial zeitgeist - perhaps it’s because we have fashionistas from other creative fields infiltrating this art form.

Speaking of modern influences, we are seeing more contemporary composers writing original works for ballet companies across the world, and the results have been thrillingly fresh, showcasing a dynamic dialogue between the world of music and the world of dance.

We are seeing the boundaries of ballet being pushed. Dance is embracing music that reflects our contemporary culture, creating truly modern masterpieces for a generation seeking something a little bit more edgy, bold and meaningful.

Let's not forget the choreographers, those brilliant artists who shape the language of movement and interpret the emotions encoded in the music. The interplay between music and choreography is a beautiful alchemy, each element elevating and enriching the other.

On this beautiful day in January, as the notes of a beloved ballet score float through the air, I’m left wondering what exciting new scores and dances lie ahead. Ballet, with its timeless magic, promises a captivating journey to audiences of all ages.