The Pointe of View: A Ballet Music Review - 30th January 2008
Darling, the air is alive with music this week, pulsating with the delicate rhythm of pointe shoes tapping, the heart-stopping crescendo of violins, the melancholic whispers of the cello - oh, it's enough to make this little ballerina weep! Today, my lovelies, we delve into the magical realm of ballet music, the ethereal soundtrack of our lives, and feast our ears on the newest releases that are positively bewitching the dance world.
First up, the highly anticipated new recording of **"Swan Lake"** by the **London Symphony Orchestra** under the masterful direction of **Sir Simon Rattle** has just arrived, and let me tell you, darlings, it is utterly sublime! The first notes, those hauntingly beautiful oboe phrases, sent shivers down my spine, and the orchestration is positively divine! Each note dances and twirls on the tongue, the majestic melodies swirling and shimmering with the graceful elegance of the white swan itself. It's the perfect soundtrack for a frosty winter evening, nestled in your velvet chaise lounge, dreaming of ballerinas in tutus. You'll need a glass of champagne, some dark chocolate, and the most luxurious leotard to match that pink tutu, I simply can't imagine anything else fitting for this exquisite symphony.
But let's not forget our darling **Tchaikovsky**, the undisputed king of ballet music. **"The Nutcracker"**, that Christmas classic, has just received a deliciously cheeky update, with **"The Royal Ballet"**'s own **Liam Scarlett** conducting his very own ballet-inspired arrangement of the score. He has brought a wonderfully mischievous twist to the traditional Christmas melody, adding some delightfully wicked pizzicato and sassy snare drum flourishes, all whilst preserving the classic elegance of the score. This recording will transport you to a snow-covered kingdom of dancing mice, mischievous squirrels, and the delightful charm of Clara, who simply cannot resist the temptation of a nutcracker prince! I must admit, darling, my inner child has taken over and I can't stop spinning around in my silk nightie after listening to this vibrant recording!
However, there's a hint of rebelliousness brewing in the air this week. As we dance towards a new season, a captivating new recording from the **Dutch National Ballet** featuring their very own, stunning **Hans van Manen**'s **"Grosse Fuge"** has captured my attention. The piece is stark, emotive, and unlike anything you have heard before. Imagine the poignant intensity of **Beethoven**'s final string quartet translated into the language of ballet - a dance of stark beauty and raw emotion. Forget about those delicate melodies, forget about the charming sugar plums! This is a ballet where passion reigns supreme, the emotions raw and vulnerable. "Grosse Fuge" is a must-listen for any ballet devotee seeking a more profound dance experience.
Now, my dears, it wouldn't be a complete review without indulging in some pure indulgence, and that's precisely what **"Giselle"** by the **American Ballet Theatre** provides. With the mesmerizing talents of **Misty Copeland** and **David Hallberg** taking center stage, this recording is simply an intoxicating blend of passion and pathos, woven through the intricate melodies of **Adolphe Adam**. From the enchanting whisper of **Giselle's** maidenly sorrow to the heartbreaking depths of her final sacrifice, this recording offers a true journey of the heart, full of swirling skirts and graceful, emotive leaps.
But wait, my sweet darlings! The music doesn't stop there. This week's exploration of ballet music is just the beginning of a breathtaking journey. There are new works, captivating collaborations, and even some exciting discoveries awaiting you, all poised to enchant your ears and inspire your soul.
This week, take time to pause, put on your best pair of ballet slippers, and immerse yourself in the beautiful language of ballet music. Each note, every crescendo, every diminuendo, tells a story. It evokes a moment in time, an emotion, a memory. This week, my darlings, we will find ourselves dancing amidst the graceful swirls and elegant leaps of these unforgettable sounds.
For this little ballerina, life is all about the music. So, turn up the volume, darlings, and let the dance begin!
Here’s a little something extra for you - My Ballet Music Must-Haves!
- “The Sleeping Beauty” by Tchaikovsky: This ballet is pure romance, with some of the most magical music Tchaikovsky ever penned. It’s filled with soaring melodies, playful pizzicatos, and some of the most incredible ballet scenes imaginable - from the whimsical fairy scenes to the heartbreaking story of Aurora’s curse. Trust me, you'll be captivated.
- “The Rite of Spring” by Stravinsky: Oh darling, this is the ultimate rebellion! Shockingly bold, primal, and wonderfully explosive, "The Rite of Spring" turned the classical music world on its head and forever changed the way we look at ballet. Be prepared for some unsettling dissonance, rhythmic intensity, and a truly ground-breaking experience that will leave you wanting more. This one’s for the rebel ballerina who doesn’t like to follow the rules!
- "The Four Temperaments" by Hindemith: This one is for the modern, adventurous ballet dancer! This stunning score by the talented Hindemith features distinct movements inspired by the four classical temperaments: melancholic, sanguine, choleric, and phlegmatic. You will feel your own temperament coming alive as you lose yourself in this brilliant, yet deeply thought-provoking musical exploration of the human condition! A true work of art.
- “Serenade” by Tchaikovsky: Now, darlings, this is where we find pure, unadulterated beauty! This is Tchaikovsky’s tribute to ballet and its beauty, an enchanting love letter to the world of dance, infused with the most breathtaking melodies and enchanting musical details, Every time I listen to this work, I am lost in a dream world of graceful movements and endless passion.
- “Chopiniana” by Tchaikovsky: If you need a taste of elegance and refinement, this is where you must turn! The beauty of Chopin’s piano works, brought to life through the artistry of Tchaikovsky’s brilliant orchestration - it’s absolutely divine. The ethereal melodies combined with delicate orchestral touches create a perfect backdrop for a world of dreams and beauty, just like our own magical ballet world!
A final thought, darlings.
Let's never underestimate the power of ballet music. It’s the heart and soul of our world - an evocative, vibrant, and soul-stirring language that speaks to the deepest emotions. The music ignites passion, inspires grace, and helps us soar beyond our earthly bounds. So, embrace the music, darling! It will take you on a journey, just as it has taken me, to a magical, beautiful world, and all you need is a tiny sprinkle of imagination. Don't be afraid to dream, don't be afraid to fly!