I just discovered a style of music I'd never heard before. Truthfully, I didn't expect that could ever happen to me, since I have been listening to all sorts of classical music, from the time I was born. Since I have heard so much classical music it shocked me to find a new music niche...new to me, that is. It's ballet class music, and it's music that is utilized by ballet instructors in their classes.
Two Types
There are numerous albums of ballet class music around, but there happens to be a type that I would suggest you listen to and another that I definitely would not. When I was perusing the available music for ballet class, it became very clear that quite a bit of it is made up of classical music standards that've been adapted to adhere to the parameters of the class, and for me it can be aggravating to listen to these. It can be like listening to a familiar tune, presented by someone that does not really know the way to play it.
My Preference
The other type of ballet class music, the type I am recommending, is put together exclusively for the ballet exercises by composer/pianist or an adept improvisor. Therefore, it's music that you've likely never heard before. When you come across a collection assembled by a composer who is also a great improvisational pianist, you'll hear some gorgeous music that you could never hear anyplace else. After all, this is music that never sees the light of day outside of a ballet studio.
I think that one factor that makes a contribution to the effectiveness of this musical style is the limitations that are placed on the composer. The music must be expertly matched to the movements of the dancers for each individual exercise. When a composer knows how to turn the restrictions into a musical advantage, you will hear beautiful melodic material, progressions of chords that are quite innovative and some highly emotional passages. If you like music for the piano, you'll probably want to give ballet class music a try.
Two Types
There are numerous albums of ballet class music around, but there happens to be a type that I would suggest you listen to and another that I definitely would not. When I was perusing the available music for ballet class, it became very clear that quite a bit of it is made up of classical music standards that've been adapted to adhere to the parameters of the class, and for me it can be aggravating to listen to these. It can be like listening to a familiar tune, presented by someone that does not really know the way to play it.
My Preference
The other type of ballet class music, the type I am recommending, is put together exclusively for the ballet exercises by composer/pianist or an adept improvisor. Therefore, it's music that you've likely never heard before. When you come across a collection assembled by a composer who is also a great improvisational pianist, you'll hear some gorgeous music that you could never hear anyplace else. After all, this is music that never sees the light of day outside of a ballet studio.
I think that one factor that makes a contribution to the effectiveness of this musical style is the limitations that are placed on the composer. The music must be expertly matched to the movements of the dancers for each individual exercise. When a composer knows how to turn the restrictions into a musical advantage, you will hear beautiful melodic material, progressions of chords that are quite innovative and some highly emotional passages. If you like music for the piano, you'll probably want to give ballet class music a try.
About the Author:
George Peter Hansing is a freelance writer and classical music aficionado. You can listen to his ballet class music suggestions at CDBaby.com and on some Youtube videos that also feature music for ballet class.