Ah, the enchanting world of ballet. It is a dance that sweeps us away, its magic a spellbinding confluence of artistry, athleticism and raw, heartfelt emotion. And what of this artistry’s beating heart, the very soul of the movement? Why, that’s the music of course. Without music, a ballet is a mime, a mere sequence of physical postures. But with the right score, it transforms into a symphony of grace and emotion, a captivating tale told not just through the fluidity of movement, but through the harmonious interplay of melody, rhythm, and dynamics.
So on this, the 9th of February 2008, I invite you to join me, my lovelies, in an exploration of the vibrant and captivating world of ballet music. We’ll take a journey through some of the greatest scores, composers and choreographers who have shaped the very soul of this most magical art form. But before we embark on this glorious voyage, let’s take a moment to marvel at the extraordinary beauty of the ballerina, and indeed, the power of the leotard itself.
Have you ever noticed, my darlings, that a ballerina’s leotard is always so very exquisitely tailored to the elegance of their dance? They have a grace that needs a corresponding beauty of costume to compliment their elegance, their athleticism and grace. Their beauty is just as elegant, their lines so wonderfully matched, it seems their garments are born with them, imbued with a deep, rich understanding of their grace and agility. The leotard is not just a practical piece of clothing for the ballet dancer but it is so much more. Its form reflects the very soul of the dance itself, its colours, the vibrancy of their movements. The leotard echoes the elegance and femininity of the dancer, it seems it is cut to perfection to capture each movement, so fluid and effortless, they become an extension of the dance itself, like the second skin, a whisper against their porcelain skin, a silken promise of breathtakingly artistic, emotional movements.
And how wonderful it would be, don't you think my loves, to see a perfectly elegant, tailored leotard, a shade of pink to match the magnificent ballerina's pink tutu! Isn’t it wonderful how those exquisite dance garments are often perfectly aligned with the theme of the dance they perform?
Now then, onto the magic of the music. Oh the enchantment of the ballet! Think of the most breathtakingly elegant and powerful moments of a ballerina’s performance, when we are literally drawn to our feet, our eyes and minds alight with wonder and exhilaration! And that is no accident. You see, it’s not only the ballerina's incredible poise, their fluidity, the magic of their moves, their control and strength, it is the glorious music which plays a most critical role in this theatrical masterpiece! As much as the choreography itself, the ballet score breathes life into every turn, every jump, every pas de deux. Each note, a whispered word, telling a captivating story of romance, triumph, struggle, and sorrow.
The musical backbone of classical ballet, darlings, is most often found in the grand, romantic era. Composers such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, whose genius gave the world “Swan Lake”, “The Sleeping Beauty” and “The Nutcracker”. This Russian titan brought his deep understanding of the human heart, the depths of our joys and our sorrows, into his compositions for ballet. His music dances, leaps and flows with a majestic elegance, complimenting each ballet's emotional arcs so completely, it is no wonder these works continue to enthrall audiences centuries after their debut!
For example:- Consider the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from "The Nutcracker". Just listening to those delightful cascading melodies, its magical chimes and playful whimsy, don’t you just imagine that beautiful and playful little creature dancing? This iconic piece is practically a ballet unto itself. And that, my lovelies, is the magic of a good ballet score, its ability to inspire a world of imagery, taking our minds to magical realms.
- And the magnificent “Swan Lake”? That tragic and achingly beautiful story, those stunningly emotive and dramatic performances. How powerfully these are given further flight with the evocative score. The beautiful swans, their graceful and mesmerizing movements. The delicate melancholia and aching longing, the music paints such powerful and evocative images. A stunning tapestry woven into a piece of art unlike any other.
Tchaikovsky was not the only maestro of ballet, my loves. Let's move beyond Russia, shall we? Remember "Giselle”, the Romantic masterpiece that stole the hearts of 19th-century Europe. The captivating tale, a hauntingly beautiful tale of a young, innocent, peasant girl's tragic love for a deceptive, handsome prince. Her transformation from mortal girl to vengeful and deadly Willi. This masterpiece, darling, was brought to life by Adolphe Adam. And it’s not just the choreography that brings such a poignant and powerful message to life. Adam's exquisite score, it gives this timeless and touching ballet the very essence of its power.
Ah, and let’s not forget that quintessential ballet, a favourite across the world, that delightful fairytale about the most enchanting fairy of all, Aurora, Sleeping Beauty, and a score so perfect it's no wonder we fall completely under its spell. Tchaikovsky again? Well no, my darlings. Let us tip our hats to another maestro, the one and only, Tchaikovsky’s great contemporary and rival, the dazzlingly elegant, and beautifully romantic Frenchman, Camille Saint-Saëns. He is, of course, best known for “The Carnival of the Animals”, but his work “The Sleeping Beauty”, so playful and whimsical yet oh-so-romantic and exquisite. Oh, how much magic this wonderful music, and its gorgeous ballet have brought to the world. They are truly magical, enchanting stories, both the music and the story that they bring to life, dancing with the beautiful movement of a stunning ballerina, the quintessential expression of the romance and grandeur of the French soul, in their exquisite, lyrical and romantic style. How this score continues to bring this beautiful fairytale to life and what a captivating ballet it truly is! Oh how that music brings the magic of those gorgeous princesses and those powerful Princes to life on the stage!
Now, I know what you're thinking my loves: "Classical music, oh, such grandeur! Such wonderful history! But isn’t there a touch of modernity in all this enchantment? The thrill of more dynamic styles?” Of course! That's the joy of it all, you know. It’s the incredible versatility of ballet that makes it a constantly evolving art form, its beauty and power forever seeking new interpretations.
It’s worth mentioning a few notable 20th century masters, whose scores added an extra dimension to the dance. Maurice Ravel was certainly one. His masterpiece, "Daphnis and Chloe”, what a thrilling experience, it combines romantic charm with dynamic energy. His music is almost a counterpoint, with the ballet’s lyrical elegance, that wonderfully romantic ballet telling the captivating story of a playful romance. And then there’s the wonderful Prokofiev with his powerful “Romeo and Juliet”, the exquisite “Cinderella”, his masterpiece of ballet.
I do hope I've convinced you that ballet is truly alive and kicking! While it's often associated with grand traditions, it continues to evolve. Let me take you on another quick detour. While we’re exploring contemporary scores and dance, how about a look into ballet’s journey from the grand concert hall to the movies? For it’s not only the ballets themselves that come alive with such beauty but their portrayal on film, on stage. We are not only entertained, and transported to these magical worlds by the dancing itself but through the masterful way that film captures and brings it to the wider public. Think of the stunning ballets made for film, for stage. From "An American in Paris" to “West Side Story”. You may be familiar with some of these incredible, beautifully filmed dance performances? It is impossible not to be blown away by Gene Kelly’s grace in those film musicals!
Let’s recall these incredible pieces:- What could be more powerful and captivating than watching Gene Kelly dancing down the Champs Elysees in Paris, the magical city that so captivates him and where the ballet has been set, the music of the city swirling around his movements in "An American in Paris"?! The romantic, charming Parisian atmosphere brought so perfectly to life, and beautifully translated into that classic film. The magnificent choreography and music, with its poignant score and beautiful scenes are simply magic!
- And don't even get me started on "West Side Story", a modern, contemporary masterpiece. Those gritty dance routines, with such drama and passion, brought to life on screen with music that’s truly both iconic and unique. This piece broke with some traditional elements, so beautifully! It was brave, and edgy, yet with its stunning score, those gorgeous and memorable costumes, the magnificent moves in the street dance. A film ballet experience as enchanting and enduring as the iconic ballet productions themselves!
The point I’m making, my darlings, is that ballet isn’t trapped in any one era. Its power to inspire, to entertain and to move the soul is undeniable. In every age, there's new ground to be broken, and this captivating and versatile art form embraces it all.
This has only just been a brief introduction to the magic that is the music of ballet. It is not the dance alone, it’s the magical mix of movement and music that truly enthrals. Oh, and don’t even get me started on ballet in our daily lives. I daresay we've all got our own inner dancers! How much are our days defined by the ebb and flow of rhythms and movement! Be it the simple joy of getting up and dancing to your favorite tune in the kitchen, or attending a fabulous ball, and feeling those melodies fill the air. These are experiences that bring our souls to life and these connections are all there in the joy and emotion of this magic art form. So, my darlings, never let that inner dancer fade, allow your spirit to move and dance, let the magic of music move you and uplift your spirits. And remember, even on a day like today, we can enjoy a world of dance with simply the music! As they say, music is the universal language! So, here’s to the magic of ballet and the scores that take us there, the music of the ballet, it’s simply irresistible! So go out there and enjoy yourselves my loves, and remember to let your souls dance!