Dearest dance devotees, darlings, and divas,
It’s the 5th of December 2007, and as the crisp autumn air dances outside my window, I feel an irresistible urge to celebrate all things beautiful, ethereal, and, of course, ballet. We all know the captivating magic that unfolds when music and dance coalesce, the way our hearts flutter, and our very souls soar. This week, we'll twirl through the realm of ballet music, exploring the iconic melodies that paint the canvas of some of the world’s most treasured ballets.
My inspiration for today's journey stems from a captivating experience I had earlier this week at the Royal Opera House. As I watched the dancers glide across the stage with effortless grace, the strings of the orchestra played a mesmerizing symphony. A poignant cello solo pierced my heart as the ballerina, draped in a blush pink tutu, moved like a dream. I immediately imagined this dance would be the perfect canvas for a beautifully delicate and ethereal melody. It wouldn't be entirely classical, mind you. Perhaps some romantic, soulful jazz chords would compliment the ballerina's strength and beauty perfectly. I imagined, for a moment, what it would be like to embody the essence of such delicate artistry and have it encapsulated into music - like being one with the choreography.
Today, let us delve into this symphony of grace, exploring some of the timeless treasures that make ballet music so enthralling. Join me, dear readers, as we twirl through the decades and let our spirits soar with the enchanting music that captures the essence of dance.
From the Classic to the Contemporary: Exploring the Spectrum of Ballet MusicThe world of ballet music is as diverse as the art form itself. From the traditional and classical melodies that have graced the stage for centuries to the contemporary scores that echo modern interpretations, the music that accompanies ballet is a true reflection of the dance world’s ever-evolving evolution.
Classical Compositions That Define BalletWe can't discuss ballet music without acknowledging the profound impact of the classical masters. They paved the way for generations of composers and shaped the way we perceive ballet. These masterful works continue to be staples in ballet repertoires, captivating audiences and inspiring new interpretations:
• Tchaikovsky’s Legacy: We must begin our musical journey with the illustrious Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who stands as a titan of ballet music. His work Swan Lake is truly the embodiment of elegant grace, captivating every dancer, composer and listener with the sweeping, dramatic musicality of the piece. The music itself captures the duality of the Swan Queen, a tragic creature yearning to find her human form again, and his music evokes so much longing, sorrow and despair, as well as strength, beauty and ultimate resilience.Then there is his mesmerizing, iconic Sleeping Beauty, a masterpiece full of charming melodies, with his signature sweeping, grand musical motifs. He masterfully intertwines romance, innocence and magic, setting the scene for Aurora and her journey through the forest. And we simply can’t forget the beautiful story of The Nutcracker. With an array of colourful dances - from the elegant waltzes to the sprightly waltzing snow-flakes - it’s no wonder that it’s become an adored family Christmas tradition, its infectious melodies spreading holiday joy wherever it’s played.
• Debussy and Ravel's Enchanting Sounds:Moving on, Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel brought a touch of impressionism to the ballet stage, captivating audiences with their shimmering soundscapes and delicate harmonies. La Mer, composed by Debussy, is an awe-inspiring symphony inspired by the ocean. This music is as much a journey for the soul as for the dancer, with the music building in tempo, intensity and beauty with the arrival of new melodies. While Ravel’s masterfully written music to his ballet Daphnis and Chloe is full of elegant flourishes and captivating romanticism. The music and the story itself are filled with lyrical beauty, reflecting love’s innocence and the complexities of desire.
Stravinsky and the Ballet Revolution: The 20th century witnessed a significant change in the world of dance music with the emergence of the groundbreaking Igor Stravinsky. His innovative approach, like a revolutionary of the arts, shook the ballet world to its core.
Stravinsky, renowned for his bold and unconventional scores, revolutionised ballet music and changed its face for future generations. His composition, The Rite of Spring, was not without controversy and still provokes reaction - much as his works intended - because it challenged conventionality at its very core. This complex ballet with its bold percussion, primal, pulsating rhythms and angular movement made waves, causing a sensation upon its debut.
But in the ballet world, where conventionality is often the status quo, a shakeup like this wasn't expected. And the scandal wasn't so much the artistic nature of this piece as much as it was the impact on its viewers. Some were inspired, many were outraged. One thing’s for sure, it is an iconic piece of music history.
The Modern Movement in Ballet MusicAs dance itself has progressed through the decades, the musical landscape of ballet has become increasingly expansive and innovative.
• The Minimalist Approach: Minimalist composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich, have brought their stripped-down, often repetitive style to ballet scores. We can see how a repetitive movement motif, combined with minimalist music, can actually tell a deeply compelling story in a most minimal of ways. Philip Glass' music, which embraces minimalism and a focus on repetitive motifs, has had a notable impact on the world of modern dance. • The Evocative Electronica: Contemporary ballet companies are also embracing electronic music, tapping into the visceral, emotional intensity it can bring. Music composers who have incorporated electronica into the dance, including Joby Talbot (the man who composed music for the movie, "The Debt," a 2010 suspenseful thriller and one of my favorites!) can truly create a powerfully unique artistic atmosphere, unlike anything experienced in ballet in previous years. Music as a Language of EmotionBallet music isn’t merely an accompaniment to movement, but rather, a vital force that adds an emotional dimension. Each melodic phrase, each delicate note, each intricate chord, weaves a captivating narrative.
Whether it's the bittersweet longing of Swan Lake's "Death Scene," the delicate waltz in The Nutcracker, or the powerful, evocative drive of The Rite of Spring, ballet music embodies a spectrum of emotions. The way it intertwines with the dancers' gestures, leaps, and extensions transforms the physical performance into something profound and captivating.
The Fashionable Side of Ballet MusicSpeaking of emotions, just as every piece of music has a character and unique atmosphere to it, it evokes certain visuals in our minds. I often find that as a listener, I instinctively start to visualize dance movements in my mind, choreographing my own interpretation of the story through my imagination. And naturally, the colour palettes for these performances are immediately present too, like an interior decorator in my mind, visualizing a room's entire scheme through just the furniture, colours and lighting, before anything has been set in place. It's like being able to see a dance company's performance - the lights, costumes and makeup all beautifully executed and in sync - before a dancer has even stepped on stage.
For example, think of a romantic ballerina waltzing gracefully under a crystal chandelier; a pale, blush pink satin dress comes to mind, embellished with twinkling sequins, with delicate straps, and maybe a long, trailing, sheer scarf, blowing subtly in a slight breeze. For her, I'd suggest a matching pale pink leotard for practice, one with the same subtle sequin details on the neckline and sleeves. Or maybe an off-white one, which allows for a pop of bright, colour - perhaps her choice of ballet shoe. A ballerina with fiery and dynamic energy in her dancing? I picture a velvet bodice in black, with rich burgundy lining, and long black skirt flowing behind her as she twirls.
I suppose I see fashion and ballet music, as if on a runway - or dance floor! It's no coincidence that many ballet costumes and performance outfits draw inspiration from music. These designs and colours perfectly complement and mirror the themes of the story in the ballet, making both more evocative and poignant.
The Future of Ballet MusicI'm excited to see how the music will continue to evolve. Today, with musical technology offering endless possibilities, I am curious to see how dancers will integrate modern genres such as hip-hop, rock, jazz and soul - styles I love and enjoy performing myself - into ballet. In doing so, they'll offer their audiences completely fresh perspectives of this ancient art form. It's definitely a possibility for future artistic breakthroughs and some creative expression that might just rock the world!
From Tchaikovsky to Stravinsky, from Glass to Joby Talbot, and everything in between, we are lucky to experience ballet through the soundtrack of these musical masterpieces. With its breathtaking melodies, the heart-wrenching emotional tapestry, ballet music, like the art form itself, never fails to leave an enduring impression, as timeless as the ballerina's arabesque. Until next week, may the dance of music fill your lives with exquisite joy, and may your hearts always find solace and expression within its melodic embrace.
And please, be sure to keep your ballet shoes well-polished and ready, my darlings, as the stage of music beckons you.
Love, always,
The Fashionable Muse