What the Heck is Ballet Class Music?






by Don Caron


Ever Heard about It?

Ballet Class Music is a variety of music that most people are not

What is Ballet Class Music?

I could explain what it is for those people who are not conversant with it. When ballet instructors teach, they always utilize a very specific type of music. There will be around sixteen different exercises the ballet students will do during the course of class, and the music for these exercises is always solo piano music. All ballet terms are in French, so the exercises have names such as Ronds de Jambe, Battement, and Tendu. In a ballet class for a high-level dance company, a pianist will be present to provide the music, but most instructors will simply use CDs. These will be specialty CDs which are written, recorded and produced specifically for a ballet class.

How is it Composed?

When composers play the piano for a ballet class or create a recording, each musical piece must be at a specific tempo, with the precise phrasing and personality that goes with every individual exercise. Accordingly, there are plenty of rules to making ballet class music but the restrictions regularly result in some remarkable musical material. Inside a single ballet class you will hear a large variety of musical styles and moods. There will be compelling rhythms, beautiful tunes, romantic music, funny music as well as music that uplifts and touches the listener and music that is sorrowful, sweet, satisfying, or just there, keeping time.

Ever Heard Any of It?

You'll be able to find some of the most stunning tunes ever written in the collections of ballet class music and a lot of fun and engaging musical ideas as well. If you like piano music this is something you'll definitely want to check out. If you'd like to listen to some samples, there are plenty of free samples of ballet class music available.






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