The Grand Jeté of Sounds: A New Year's Review of Ballet Music in 2024
As the first blush of dawn kisses the frosted windowpanes, I find myself steeped in a reverie, a heady concoction of twinkling melodies and the delicate scent of jasmine – a prelude to the glorious ballet of a brand new year. For a dance enthusiast such as myself, 2024 has been a veritable whirlwind of rhythmic brilliance and choreographic masterpieces. We've twirled through ethereal waltzes, soared through majestic adagios, and pounded through electrifying fouetté sequences, all powered by the breathtaking artistry of composers past and present. With the champagne corks still popping and the confetti still glittering, let us embark on a waltz through the year's most captivating ballet music, savoring the elegant steps and stunning melodies that left us breathless.
From the classical grace of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake to the modern audacity of Joby Talbot's "The Composer," ballet music in 2024 has embraced an audacious tapestry of styles. The year saw a revival of the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky, particularly with the "Swan Lake" revival, which saw a breathtaking fusion of tradition and contemporary interpretations, resulting in an enchanting dialogue between past and present. The soaring cello melody in the "Black Swan" pas de deux, a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece, still sends shivers down my spine. Such a journey through time brought new perspectives on these musical jewels, confirming their status as eternal treasures.
Speaking of timeless beauty, 2024 marked a pivotal year for contemporary ballet music. Composers pushed boundaries, exploring new sonorities, textures, and rhythms to paint soundscapes that matched the boldness of the contemporary choreography. The stunning "The Composer," by Joby Talbot, perfectly embodied this avant-garde spirit, with its ingenious use of minimalist instrumentation and unexpected bursts of sonic colour. The haunting harmonies and captivating percussive rhythms made this an unforgettable sonic experience, perfectly complimenting the modern choreography.
In a departure from the more familiar realm of orchestral compositions, we saw an exciting foray into electronic music, blurring the lines between traditional ballet and contemporary performance. The ethereal "Synesthesia," by composer Alice Birch, resonated through its use of ethereal, swirling sounds, weaving electronic pulses and traditional melodies into a hauntingly beautiful sonic tapestry. It created an atmosphere of pure, dreamlike ecstasy, ideal for exploring the abstract realms of modern dance.
This trend towards electronic sounds was further enhanced with the world premiere of "Electronica," an ambitious ballet set to an eclectic soundtrack of pulsating beats and synth washes. The music served as a powerful force driving the dancers' frenetic movements, an innovative use of sounds to amplify the energy and raw emotion of modern dance.
Of course, no ballet music journey would be complete without a nod to the titans of classical ballet music, the composers whose genius continues to resonate across the centuries. From Stravinsky's groundbreaking "Rite of Spring," to Debussy's evocative "La Mer," these musical titans remain the inspiration and foundation for generations of dancers and choreographers.
One such choreographer who masterfully interpreted the power of classical music is renowned director and choreographer, Sir Kenneth MacMillan. The poignant melodies of Chopin found new life in "Manon," creating an emotional canvas that captured the complexities of love, longing, and betrayal. Each soaring phrase, every delicate arpeggio, was a brushstroke in a narrative painted with exquisite precision, making for a deeply moving experience that has stayed with me ever since.
But ballet is not solely a realm of grandiose scores. The intimacy of a simple piano melody, a delicate solo guitar piece, or the sweet ache of a chamber orchestra can equally power a dancer's expressive artistry. This was evident in the many smaller-scale ballets and intimate performances that showcased the versatility and beauty of various chamber works, reminding us of the enduring power of simple, evocative melodies to convey a wide range of emotions.
Beyond the stage, 2024 saw an explosion of exciting collaborations between composers and dancers. Workshops, residencies, and interdisciplinary projects were on the rise, fostering a dialogue between different creative disciplines and encouraging a fusion of ideas.
One such collaboration that captured the world's attention was the stunning "Sonic Odyssey" by acclaimed composer Thomas Adès, an electrifying symphonic exploration of the relationship between sound, movement, and human emotions. This collaborative effort between composer, dancers, and visual artists truly broke the mould, reminding us of the boundless possibilities when artistic disciplines work in synergy.
And let us not forget the rising generation of composers who are leaving their mark on the world of ballet music, injecting their own unique vision and sonic palette into this evolving art form. A special mention must go to emerging British composer Sarah Kirkland Snider, who composed an ethereal and haunting score for "The Last Waltz," a contemporary ballet exploring the themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human connection.
But let us take a moment to reflect beyond the grandeur and sophistication, for beauty resides in every step, every turn, every graceful pause, regardless of the setting or the music. It's the shared vulnerability between the dancer and the audience, a connection that transcends words and resonates deep within the human soul.
Speaking of vulnerability and elegance, I couldn't conclude this review without a personal confession. One of my absolute favorite discoveries of 2024 was the breathtaking collection of "Leotards of the Year" unveiled at the London Dance Fashion Awards. This exquisite collection showcased a kaleidoscope of artistry and craftsmanship. Among the most memorable designs, there was a breathtaking creation - a leotard in the same shade of shimmering pink as my favourite tutus. Its elegance and femininity perfectly complimented the grace and power of the dance. This was more than just clothing, it was an extension of the artistry of the dance, capturing the sheer beauty of the form.
Now, as I stand poised at the cusp of 2025, my mind's eye already envisions the grand ballets to come, the breathtaking performances, and the intoxicating scores that will transport us to other worlds. As I write these words, the music is still ringing in my ears, the energy of the performances lingering in my heart. This, I believe, is the essence of ballet music – a powerful current that flows through time, connecting us all in a shared symphony of emotions. The baton passes now to the new year, with the promise of a breathtaking year ahead. The stage is set for another thrilling performance.
Top 10 Ballet Music Highlights of 2024
- "Swan Lake" Revival - Tchaikovsky
- "The Composer" - Joby Talbot
- "Synesthesia" - Alice Birch
- "Electronica" - Various Electronic Artists
- "Manon" - Frederic Chopin
- "Sonic Odyssey" - Thomas Adès
- "The Last Waltz" - Sarah Kirkland Snider
- "La Mer" - Claude Debussy
- "The Rite of Spring" - Igor Stravinsky
- London Dance Fashion Awards "Leotard of the Year" Collection