Ballet Music News 7227

A Breathtaking Pas de Deux: A News Review on the Wonderful World of Ballet Music

13 October 2007 - The day the world held its breath as the curtain rose on a new season of exquisite ballets, each score a captivating masterpiece weaving a symphony of emotion, movement and story. Oh, darling, let me whisk you away on a pirouette through the very essence of ballet music, where every note sings of elegance, grace and boundless artistry.

As a lover of all things elegant and beautifully rendered, my soul dances in rhythm with the heart of ballet. It is a world where the whispers of strings caress the ears and the thumping percussion sets the pulse racing. Oh, to see the graceful sway of a ballerina as her feet move like windswept petals across the stage! It is a testament to the power of music to elevate the human form to something truly ethereal, transcending the limitations of our physical world.

Today, I wish to draw you into the intoxicating tapestry of sounds that forms the backbone of the art form we all adore: ballet. I, for one, consider it the ultimate union of beauty and music - a marriage so perfect, so enchanting, that it leaves us spellbound in the theater, wanting more.

Think of the ballet score as a painter’s palette, bursting with an array of colours and textures. Each instrument holds its own distinct character, creating a masterpiece that ebbs and flows with the emotion of the dance.

• The delicate whispers of the flute often introduce a new character, hinting at their grace and purity.
• The oboe's melancholic sigh speaks of sorrow and loss, reflecting the dancer’s struggle and longing.
• The robust and bold voice of the brass section underscores moments of triumph and power.
• The rhythmic drumbeat pulsates with life and energy, giving the dancers an intoxicating pulse to dance to.
• And of course, the heart-stopping violin, its melody weaving tales of passion, love and desperation, making our very heart strings twang!

The composers, these musical wizards, understand that each dance requires a unique palette. We are transported to a mystical realm by the whimsical sounds of Tchaikovsky's *Swan Lake*, captivated by the swirling grandeur of Stravinsky's *The Rite of Spring*, or awestruck by the powerful emotion of Prokofiev's *Romeo and Juliet*. Oh, the storytelling, my dear! Such an incredible art to witness!

For the dancer, the score is not just a melody, but their language. Every note becomes an instruction, a breath, a movement. A crescendo marks a climactic leap, while a pianissimo evokes the dancer’s tenderness. It is the music that gives life to their every step, turn, and graceful gesture.

And don’t forget, the dancers have their own vocabulary - the language of *en pointe* and *grand jeté*. This elegant language speaks through the dance and flows flawlessly in tune with the music. Such artistry! It is a language understood not only by the dancers but also by the audience. A single arabesque, for instance, may whisper of loneliness or yearning, or celebrate a joyous discovery - and all these sentiments are expressed with the elegant articulation of a gesture.

From the soaring grace of a *balancé* to the playful agility of a *chassé*, each step unfolds as a musical note, complementing the orchestration, creating a harmony that delights the senses. Think of a dancer’s arms; the elegant fluidity of the *port de bras*, perfectly matched with the rising and falling melody of the violin! A symphony of grace.

One cannot talk of ballet without mentioning its enchanting costumes. Now, if you're a lover of the classics, you know a certain iconic duo. There is, of course, the ethereal tulle tutu in shades of the most heavenly pink. You can’t tell me it doesn't conjure up thoughts of romantic ballet masterpieces, now can you, darling?

However, for a truly fabulous contrast, I envision a dazzling leotard. Think rich hues, perhaps emerald green or sapphire blue, perfectly set off by dazzling embellishments - glittering crystals and sparkling beads. Oh darling, such brilliance! Imagine this ensemble dancing to a contemporary score, perhaps a modern twist on Prokofiev, the music alive with passion and drama, as this shimmering masterpiece cuts through the stage. Now that's what I call haute couture, a perfect dance of style and music, darling!

Oh, there’s such a wonderful magic to ballet - that captivating dance between movement and music that takes us to another world.

Let’s face it, darling. Music enriches our lives, transforming our everyday moments into breathtaking experiences. Ballet music has the power to touch our hearts and move us in ways words simply cannot. So go forth and immerse yourself in the world of ballet. Let the music take you on an extraordinary journey, a journey to discover the magical language of sound and dance that unites hearts across the world. I promise, your heart will never be the same!