I recently came across a kind of music I'd not heard about before. Honestly, I did not anticipate that would ever ever happen to me, because of the fact that I've been listening to all kinds of classical music, beginning back when I was born. Because I've listened to such a lot of classical music it surprised me to uncover a new music niche...new to me, that is. It's ballet class music, and it's music that is employed by ballet masters in their classes.
The Good and the Bad
There are lots of albums of ballet class music available, but there's a type I'd recommend and another that I would not. When I was searching through the available music for ballet class, it became apparent that much of it is composed of classical music standards that have been revised to fit the requirements of the class, and for me it's irritating to listen to these. It's a lot like listening to a favorite tune, performed by someone who doesn't truly know how to play it.
My Preference
The other style of ballet class music, the type I like, is composed especially for the ballet exercises by composer/pianist or an adept improvisor. Hence, it's music that you have probably never heard before. When you find an album put together by a composer who is also a great improvisational pianist, you'll hear some engaging music that you couldn't hear anywhere else. After all, this is music that never sees the light of day outside of a ballet studio.
I believe that one of the factors that contributes to the attraction of this kind of music is the pre-definitions that are placed on the composer. The music has to be expertly matched to the movements of the dancers for every individual dance exercise. When a composer is aware of a way to transform the limitations into a musical advantage, the listener will hear wonderful lyrical lines, chords that are nothing short of leading edge and some highly emotional pieces. If you are partial to the piano, you will be glad if you give ballet class music a listen.
The Good and the Bad
There are lots of albums of ballet class music available, but there's a type I'd recommend and another that I would not. When I was searching through the available music for ballet class, it became apparent that much of it is composed of classical music standards that have been revised to fit the requirements of the class, and for me it's irritating to listen to these. It's a lot like listening to a favorite tune, performed by someone who doesn't truly know how to play it.
My Preference
The other style of ballet class music, the type I like, is composed especially for the ballet exercises by composer/pianist or an adept improvisor. Hence, it's music that you have probably never heard before. When you find an album put together by a composer who is also a great improvisational pianist, you'll hear some engaging music that you couldn't hear anywhere else. After all, this is music that never sees the light of day outside of a ballet studio.
I believe that one of the factors that contributes to the attraction of this kind of music is the pre-definitions that are placed on the composer. The music has to be expertly matched to the movements of the dancers for every individual dance exercise. When a composer is aware of a way to transform the limitations into a musical advantage, the listener will hear wonderful lyrical lines, chords that are nothing short of leading edge and some highly emotional pieces. If you are partial to the piano, you will be glad if you give ballet class music a listen.
About the Author:
George Peter Hansing is a freelance writer and classical music fan. You can check out his ballet class music suggestions at CDBaby.com and on several Youtube videos that also feature music for ballet class.
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