What type of music goes with ballet?

You must have realized that ballet performances typically feature classical music by famous composers such as Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and others. The music is specifically composed for ballets and is an integral part of the performance, enhancing the storytelling and choreography. Having had this question often from our previous students, we thought answering it in a full article will benefit lots of ballet enthusiats out there. So, in this guide, we will understand the science behind music that inspires ballerinas of all ages to dance along.

The Orgin of Music in Ballet dance

Ballet music progressed from simply a complement to dance to a concrete compositional form that often had as much value as the dance itself. Originating in France during the 17th century as a theatrical dance, ballet gained status as a “classical” form by the 19th century.

Ballet music composers from the 17th–20th centuries, including Jean-Baptiste Lully, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Igor Stravinsky, and Sergei Prokofiev, were predominantly from France and Russia. However, with increased international notoriety seen during Tchaikovsky’s and Stravinsky’s lifetimes, this types of music composition spread across the western world.

How Ballet music has evolved

Until about the second half of the 19th century, the role of music in ballet was secondary, with the main emphasis on dance. Music was simply a compilation of danceable tunes. Writing ballet music used to be a job for musical craftsmen rather than for masters. For example, critics of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) mentioned his writing of such types of music as something demeaning.

From the earliest ballets up to the time of Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632–1687), ballet music was indistinguishable from ballroom dance music. Lully created a style where the music told a story. The first ballet d’action was staged in 1717. The Loves of Mars and Venus was a story told without words. The pioneer was John Weaver (1673–1760). Both Lully and Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764) wrote opéra-ballets, where the story was partly danced and partly sung, but ballet songs gradually became less important.

The next big step occurred in the early 19th century when principal dancers changed from using hard shoes to ballet pumps. This enabled a more free-flowing style of music. Marie Taglioni (1804–1884) is credited with being the first ballerina to dance en pointe in *La Sylphide* in 1832. It was now possible to have music that was more expressive. Gradually, dancing became more daring, with men lifting the ballerinas into the air.

What type of music goes with ballet?

Ballet is traditionally performed to classical music, which has been the foundation of the art form for centuries. Some of the most famous ballets, such as “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “The Sleeping Beauty,” are set to the music of composers like Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev. However, contemporary ballet can be performed to a wide variety of song genres, including:

1. Classical Music: As mentioned, this is the traditional choice. Composers like Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Debussy are often associated with classical ballet.
2. Neoclassical Songs: This style, which blends classical forms with more modern elements, is also commonly used in ballet.
3. Contemporary/Modern Songs: Modern ballet often incorporates contemporary songs, ranging from minimalist composers like Philip Glass to modern orchestral pieces.
4. Jazz Music: Jazz ballet combines classical ballet technique with jazz music, often resulting in more upbeat and expressive choreography.
5. Electronic Music: Some contemporary ballets use electronic music to create a unique and modern atmosphere, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the performance.
6. World Music: Ballets that explore different cultures or themes might incorporate music from various parts of the world, including African drumming, Latin rhythms, or Asian instruments.
7. Pop/Rock Music: Occasionally, ballets are set to popular music or rock, particularly in more experimental or cross-genre performances.

Where to Buy Ballet Music

1. Online Music Stores: Websites like iTunes, Amazon Music, and Google Play Music offer a wide selection of classical music. You can purchase and download individual tracks or entire albums.

2. Streaming Services: Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have extensive libraries of classical music. You can listen to the music online or download it for offline listening with a subscription.

3. Physical Music Stores: Some specialty music stores may carry classical music CDs or vinyl records. You can visit a local music store or search online for stores that specialize in classical music.

4. Specialty Ballet Stores: Some ballet companies or dance academies may have their own stores or online platforms where they sell ballet music CDs or digital downloads related to their performances.

5. Classical Music Websites: Websites dedicated to classical music may offer a selection of ballet music for purchase. Look for reputable classical music websites that offer high-quality recordings.

Conclusion

Ballet music has produced some of the most beautiful songs ever written. From Gluck to Tchaikovsky, many great composers throughout history have contributed to the genre. On the other hand, The Ballet Shop Uganda offers a variety of ballet music and other products to enhance your dance experience. Explore our offerings and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ballet songs.