Ballet Music News 7049

Oh, darlings, what a glorious day! It is 8th April 2008. A day that shimmers with the promise of elegance and grace, the day that calls to mind the silken whispers of a tutu twirling across the stage, a day when the very air thrumms with the music of the ballet. As a devoted acolyte of the dance, a soul forever entranced by the poetry in motion, the magic of ballet, it's a day that feels utterly enchanting to me.

Today, let's embark on a whirlwind journey into the intoxicating world of ballet music. Its magic has woven a tapestry of wonder throughout history. It is a world of captivating melodies, of breathtaking crescendos, of tender, whispering notes that evoke the most intimate emotions. And while the dance may be the outward expression, the music, dear friends, is the very heart, the lifeblood, the very soul.

Think of the achingly beautiful "Adagio" from "Sleeping Beauty" by Tchaikovsky. A musical moment that speaks volumes of yearning and yearning to be loved. Each note carries us, gently, with it, like an invisible breeze, onto a floating cloud of desire. The strings whisper their tales of love and longing, echoing a melody that mirrors the exquisite sadness of the Princess Aurora. And then, that exquisite climax, that final chord, it reverberates in our souls long after the final note fades, leaving us yearning for a world touched by such musical magic.

Now imagine yourself standing at the edge of the stage, the orchestra tuning its instruments in the hush of a packed auditorium, anticipation electric in the air. You see her step out, bathed in the light, her face alight with the fire of passion. The conductor's baton lifts, and suddenly the air vibrates with the triumphant notes of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" . What an exhilarating and ferocious power radiates from those sounds, a true storm of chaotic emotion that stirs the deepest within us. Each beat a fierce heart pulsating in unison with the rhythmic power of the dance.

But ballet is not just about grand drama, no, my darlings. There's an intimate delicacy, a tenderness woven into this magic too. The music of "The Nutcracker" by Tchaikovsky. Think of the delicate charm of "Waltz of the Flowers", each note like a tiny butterfly wing, or the enchanting beauty of the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy", with its exquisite, crystalline melodies that could be composed only of dreams.

And let us not forget the profound and powerful "Swan Lake", with its haunting opening theme. It paints a landscape of aching yearning, of longing for freedom and innocence. Its final scene, filled with anguish and sacrifice, feels like a musical portrait of the soul's deepest sorrow, an emotionally intense tapestry, interwoven with beauty and heart-wrenching pathos, a testament to the transcendent power of Tchaikovsky's genius.

However, music doesn't just accompany the dance. The two are intertwined, their destinies indelibly connected. Think of Stravinsky’s ballet "The Firebird". The music dictates the choreography, dictating every pirouette, each arabesque, every gesture. And what exquisite beauty emerges from this fusion. Music and dance, a harmonious marriage of creative forces, a beautiful symphony of movement and melody. Oh, my darling, the very air sings, it breathes with passion.

But, we must move beyond the realm of tradition, into the embrace of contemporary ballet. Here we find new textures, a new sonic landscape, one infused with the pulsating rhythm of modern life, a landscape where the melodies are more evocative than ever, and the choreography more expressive than ever before. The music here, is more raw, a tapestry of daring harmonies and dissonance, with a certain wildness, a free spirit that explodes with freedom.

Music for the ballet, the soul of the dance. And let us not forget the visual magic that completes the story, the exquisite dancewear that reflects the spirit of the performance, the enchanting grace that it portrays. A ballet company, with all its majestic choreography, is a visual poem, a tapestry of elegant design. And what piece in the puzzle of a perfect performance, what element completes the dance itself, like a glorious crescendo of notes and gesture, better than a fabulous, glittering, exquisitely designed tutu?

Take, for instance, a glorious, billowing, vibrant pink tutu. Its layers whisper of swirling dreams. It echoes the fluttering of butterfly wings and, on the dance stage, it embodies the very essence of a sweet, fairytale ballerina. Now, imagine a stunning, figure-hugging leotard to complement this fabulous tutu. It will need to be something with subtle, almost shimmering sophistication, something to truly match the delicate majesty of that enchanting tulle. Imagine a beautiful deep cranberry red, like a dark and vibrant raspberry with hints of purple. It needs to echo that dreamy lightness yet also project strength. This combination, it would be nothing short of magical, a duet of colour and movement, the dance itself coming to life in those captivating colours.

But darling, as you step into this world of enchantment, remember, the true heart of ballet music, lies within your soul. Each melody tells a story, each rhythm carries an emotion. Let it be your guide. As you listen, you will discover yourself swept into an extraordinary world of dreams and grace, a world that waits only to be embraced, to be embraced by a soul, forever, enraptured.

Ballet News Digest

• The Royal Ballet: This week, London’s legendary company are presenting the perennial classic "Swan Lake", which begins at The Royal Opera House on Tuesday and runs for several weeks. I predict a surge in bookings. Don’t forget to check out those beautiful feather-trimmed tutus. The craftsmanship and delicate attention to detail are truly magnificent.

• "Cinderella" Gets A Reboot: A new, highly anticipated production of "Cinderella" is set to debut in Hamburg this week. Renowned director, Johann Wolfgang, is promising a whimsical and enchanting spectacle, and he is adding his own magical flourishes with an utterly unique and captivating new score. I must admit to being extremely excited for the launch, and to see the latest ballet fashion trends.

• The Prodigy's Return: It’s exciting news for lovers of the dance - renowned ballet dancer, the dazzling Dimitri Petrov, is coming back to the stage after a brief hiatus. His first appearance since the tour with the Paris Opera Ballet will be at the "Dance Gala" in Berlin this Friday night. Prepare to be mesmerized, he is quite literally, one of the most remarkable talents in contemporary dance today. I am simply itching to hear him be announced for next season!

• Emerging Talent: It's not all about established stars you know. The ballet world is brimming with fresh talent. And one rising star we're particularly excited to see, is a talented young dancer, Eliza Smith, from The Scottish Ballet. She’s set to make her debut performance in "Romeo and Juliet" in Glasgow on Friday night.

• "Dance For A Cure": The prestigious annual charity "Dance For A Cure", which has done such good work to raise money and awareness for those living with cancer, is being held this year at the Barbican Centre in London. The event, which boasts an incredibly impressive line-up of dance artists, and incredible musicians, starts this Saturday afternoon. So mark your calendars and head to the box office.

• The Future Of Dance: A prestigious workshop and seminar, for ballet hopefuls and professional dancers alike, takes place in Berlin this Saturday. Renowned experts in the industry, choreographers and dancers, are discussing new trends, developments and, in particular, how the relationship between dance and the creative and business side of the industry is evolving. Be sure to check out our latest coverage of it.

• Listen Up, Music Lovers: It’s not all about the choreography and dancers. Music plays such an incredibly important part in ballet. The new production of the London Symphony Orchestra, playing Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake" will be recording a live performance for CD. There is going to be an impressive album launch party, don't forget to look out for photos and video. It should be magical.

Spotlight on: "A New Beginning"

A captivating performance at the English National Ballet, "A New Beginning" is a fusion of traditional technique and vibrant modern expression. The stunning choreography is interwoven with a score that blends the classical world of Bach and Mozart with an original modern soundtrack composed by talented newcomer, Alice Maxwell.

"A New Beginning" presents a striking visual narrative that resonates deep within the soul. And Alice Maxwell’s captivating score serves as an essential pillar. Her musical creations seamlessly connect the narrative to the dancer's movements.

Dancewear: The captivating costumes are truly enchanting, and the deepest ruby red leotard complements a sleek, graceful ballerina, creating a starkly beautiful silhouette against the back-drop of swirling, layered tutus. These pieces combine modern innovation with elegant, classic, ballet sensibilities, creating a stunning symphony of colours.

This production, my darlings, is the perfect opportunity to embrace both the familiar comfort of traditional choreography and the dazzling vibrancy of contemporary dance. The stage bursts with energy, grace and passion, every dancer beautifully synchronised to Maxwell’s enchanting soundscape.

Emerging composer, Alice Maxwell, has created something truly special with her musical score for “A New Beginning.” The composition weaves an intricate and captivating tapestry of sound that takes audiences on a journey of exploration. The use of traditional classic sounds creates an almost melancholic atmosphere, punctuated with notes of hope. But when those moments appear they're like the first blush of dawn, gentle, beautiful, a light illuminating a darkening, troubled path. Maxwell then injects the soundtrack with moments of pure, untamed, contemporary sound.

This captivating combination perfectly reflects the modern sensibilities of the choreography. A seamless amalgam of traditional classical artistry, a beautiful, nostalgic tapestry of melody, combined with moments of daring, modern expression. These elements come together to make the ballet something both captivating and quite extraordinary. I'm already awaiting her next work, with baited breath.

I'm a firm believer in seeking new and thrilling opportunities. And "A New Beginning" is an exploration in style and artistry that deserves your attention, especially for ballet and music lovers looking for a truly magical journey. I truly cannot recommend it highly enough.

And on that exquisite note, dear readers, I bid you farewell for this week. Do visit me here next week when we shall dive into another dazzling dimension of dance! But, before we go, just be sure to let me know what you thought of the show, and the stunning "A New Beginning". Be sure to tweet or email us!

Until next time my darlings. Happy Dancing.