Ah, 18th July 2004! Such a magnificent day for the heart to beat a little faster, to feel the music swirling in our veins, the rhythmic thrumming in our toes. Yes, my darlings, for on this very date we celebrate not just the artistry of the ballerina, but the soul of ballet - the glorious music that sets their very being in motion. Let us twirl through a review of ballet music news, a news update sprinkled with sugar plum fairy dust and adorned with a single, perfectly-placed, glittering diamante.
The news this week, like a well-executed pirouette, is beautifully balanced and brimming with delight. We start with the thrilling news that the Royal Ballet is to commission a new work from the legendary composer, John Adams! A contemporary ballet set to a vibrant score that echoes the pulse of our modern world? Oh, how my heart does flutter at the mere thought! And speaking of heart-fluttering, did you hear about the latest fashion collaboration, "Leotard Love," a collection of dazzling leotards, one for each ballerina, and their respective music piece? This, my lovelies, is no mere fashion statement, it is an artistic celebration of the marriage between dance and music, a shimmering tapestry woven from threads of both!
The collection features a particular stunner, a pink, blush-tinted leotard, designed to complement the "Pink Tutu," an absolute showstopper. This leotard, dear readers, isn't just any leotard - it's a poem sewn onto satin, a whispered sonnet in silk. It sings a song of movement and grace, the colour of rose petals and the promise of love.
Imagine the sheer magic of watching the ballerina move with effortless elegance, wearing this masterpiece, her every turn a dance of desire, her leaps a joyous crescendo to the music's thrilling melody. It is a visual delight, a story whispered without words, an interpretation born of shared inspiration between designer and dancer, a tapestry woven of music, fashion and, of course, the ultimate magic, the magic of dance!
Now, on to other delights in the world of ballet music. We mustn't forget the London Symphony Orchestra's new recording of Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," the perfect sonic companion for a romantic evening spent dreaming of forbidden love. I shall confess, darling readers, that I spent my Tuesday afternoon utterly absorbed in this performance. I found myself transported to Verona, the emotions of Juliet’s first kiss, Romeo's poignant declarations, the impetuous tragedy, all of it whispered into life by the orchestra's passionate playing.
Now, you'll never catch me dancing on my own in the living room - no, I leave that to my adorable nephew, darling little Freddie, who does the most delightful jig, all sunshine and exuberance. But as I listen to the symphony, the graceful choreography unfolds in my mind, a graceful ballet played out not by limbs, but by music, by the symphony's sweeping arc, its passionate pauses, its crescendo of raw emotion.
But what is ballet music without the grand stage itself? The Metropolitan Opera House, with its majestic velvet, gilded cherubs and that incredible sense of history... It hosted an exclusive benefit concert featuring a newly-composed suite, “Moonlight Serenade.” This work, dear readers, is as much a celebration of the dancers as it is of the moon’s soft glow, the silvery magic, and, of course, the transformative beauty of the human body as it moves in perfect harmony with the score.
Think of it, dear readers, the dancers under the moonlight, their faces softly lit, each movement an extension of the melody. It is the very embodiment of ballet, the perfect symbiosis of art, grace, and emotional expression. It makes me ache to see it in person, to experience the symphony of music and movement for myself!
And let's not forget the smaller, more intimate performances! We mustn't be dazzled only by the glitter and glam of grand opera houses. This week we celebrate a delightful little ballet school, a place brimming with nascent talent and burgeoning dreams, a place that allows young souls to first experience the joy, the grace, and the emotional resonance of dance. It hosted its annual recital this week, the performance bathed in the warm, welcoming light of a summer’s evening. The audience, filled with doting parents and excited friends, were mesmerized by the young dancers, each one embodying the music, bringing it to life through their innocent, joyful expression.
Think of it, darling readers, little hands grasping onto the barre, tiny toes pointed skywards, eyes gleaming with excitement and dedication. This, my dear friends, is the beating heart of ballet, the legacy of movement, artistry, and emotion, passed from one generation to the next.
And it is to this legacy, to the very fabric of ballet and music, that our next news piece leads. There has been much discussion this week, a beautiful, measured discourse, about the inclusion of ballet music in classical music curricula. This is a very necessary discussion, a vital movement to bridge the gap between traditional, highbrow arts and youth culture. Imagine, if you will, our little darling Freddie, listening to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake during his school music lesson. Imagine the excitement, the passion, the pure joy that he will feel, a sense of wonder, of magic! A sense of belonging to something so big, so breathtakingly beautiful! How incredible that is, how necessary.
And we are not done yet! This week we have the return of the renowned composer, Michael Nyman, who will create a new, captivating piece for the Royal Ballet's next production. Now, Mr. Nyman is, as you may know, no stranger to the world of dance. He has crafted music for renowned directors like Jane Campion, worked alongside legendary choreographer, Pina Bausch, and is known for his incredible, almost ethereal soundscapes.
We await the final composition with bated breath! What will he offer us, dear readers? Will it be a tender exploration of delicate grace? Will it evoke the sweeping grandeur of movement, or will it burst into an intoxicating kaleidoscope of sound and gesture?
And finally, we must make mention of a stunning, powerful initiative launched this week – a dedicated program aimed at preserving ballet music from the 20th century, and ensuring its enduring legacy. As the times change, my lovelies, the danger always exists of artistic movements being lost, their beauty forgotten in the rush of the new and trendy. This initiative, my dears, is an act of true artistic conservatorship, a gift to future generations of dancers, music lovers and anyone seeking a beautiful moment of magic!
With every click of our tap shoes, darling readers, we dance on. This ballet music review is just a peek into the fascinating, glamorous, emotional and artistic world we all adore. I leave you now to soak in this magic. Be it the "Pink Tutu" with its stunning matching leotard, a poignant melody from a grand orchestra, the heartwarming sound of little feet dancing at a school recital, or simply the whispered promise of a ballet's opening night, dance with your heart, for the rhythm is alive!
Until next week, darlings. Take care and enjoy the music.