Ballet Music News 7357

Ah, ballet music. It's more than just a soundtrack; it's a language of emotions, a whispered tale told through soaring melodies and hushed whispers. Today, 5th June 2007, feels like the perfect day to dive into this captivating world. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and the world seems to shimmer with a light, airy magic - a perfect reflection of the ethereal beauty of ballet.

I must admit, as I write this, I’m sitting in my little apartment in London, surrounded by stacks of ballet scores, wearing a beautiful leotard (it matches my favourite pink tutu, of course!), my toes tapping along to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. There's nothing quite like the symphony of strings and the ethereal, yearning of the flute, a melody that perfectly captures the pathos and grace of Odette, the Swan Queen. This is what we're talking about - this synergy between music and movement.

But we wouldn’t be right to solely focus on the classics. Ballet music isn't confined to the grand narratives of Tchaikovsky or the whimsical charm of Stravinsky. Oh no, there is a world of contemporary ballet, a world of dynamic, innovative scores. These new composers are redefining the sonic landscape of ballet, pushing the boundaries of what music can express in dance.

• World premiere of “Flux” at the Royal Ballet.

Oh my, did you see this piece? The music by young composer Freya Harding, is simply exquisite! This modern take on classical ballet has brought a wave of new, passionate young audiences to the theatre. Freya blends orchestral instruments with electronic sounds in a captivating way, weaving a haunting tapestry of emotion that perfectly reflects the intricate, modern choreography. What I truly admire about this new generation of composers is their ability to fuse classical structures with innovative sound, crafting an original, dynamic sonic world.

• “The Firebird” returns to the Bolshoi Ballet, featuring the iconic Stravinsky score.

Now, "The Firebird" is a story in music, full of drama, magic, and a ferocious rhythmic pulse that propels the dancers across the stage. This ballet, with its rich history and its visceral score, truly shows the power of music in capturing the wild, powerful nature of storytelling. As the orchestra reaches a crescendo, the stage is transformed by a whirlwind of colourful costumes and vibrant energy, reminding us of the true spirit of this legendary ballet. And to witness this legendary ballet, to be carried away by its emotional narrative and rhythmic power, feels almost spiritual.

• A new ballet company in Edinburgh, “The Phoenix Company”, are launching with a programme featuring works by both contemporary and classical composers.

It’s absolutely wonderful to see the fresh energy these new companies are injecting into the ballet scene. With an exciting mix of new and established talent, it’s truly inspiring to watch these artists explore the intersection of dance and music.

• The prestigious Paris Opera Ballet have premiered a new work by the legendary composer Philip Glass, who created a powerful minimalist score for the new work "Light Within".

There’s something incredibly special about Glass's work. It’s all about stripped-down melodies, about capturing the essence of movement in a profound way. You just feel his passion for the form of dance, his deep connection to movement and the body in motion.

It’s truly an exciting time to be immersed in the world of ballet, and it’s all thanks to these fantastic composers pushing boundaries, creating captivating, innovative sounds that both enhance and define the movements we see on stage.

Oh, but what would a discussion on ballet music be without a little reflection? Ballet music, for me, is more than just notes on a page. It’s a vibrant world where emotions take shape in melodies, where silence becomes a stage for poignant reflection, and the intricate ballet becomes a seamless flow of motion and sound. From the grandest, sweeping waltzes to the most delicate, understated pizzicatos, this is music that is imbued with power and passion.

If you haven't had the chance to see ballet performed live, I urge you to. To hear the music swelling through the auditorium as a graceful dancer leaps across the stage is an experience you won't forget.

For those of you who have had the privilege of watching a ballet performance, I'm sure you know what I mean. It's the synergy of music and movement that elevates it to an art form unlike any other.

• “Ballet Classics” – This classic collection is an excellent starting point. You'll find all the well-loved Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky works, but don't forget to explore those hidden gems by Prokofiev and Delibes – real treats!
• “Music For Contemporary Ballet”: For those venturing into new territory, this album showcases some modern and diverse composers who are pushing the boundaries of ballet music today. Don’t miss the pieces by Max Richter, Steve Reich and Jóhann Jóhannsson.
• “A Composer’s Journey – A Life in Ballet Music”. You’ll hear selections from the music that defined some of the most popular and innovative choreographers – this will help you understand how much of a collaborative process ballet creation is.

And please, share your favourite ballet music picks in the comments. Let’s keep the passion for ballet alive! Until next time, I’ll be whisked away in my ballet-filled daydreams.