Ballet music is a type of classical music specifically composed for use in the performance of ballet. While the music may be used for other purposes, it was originally written to accompany and enhance the movements of ballet dancers on stage. The style of ballet music is often classified as orchestral or operatic, but it can also include quieter pieces written for solo instruments.
History
The use of musical accompaniment in ballet dates back to at least the 16th century, when Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi wrote the first score specifically for a ballet performance. During the Baroque period, composers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully and George Frideric Handel wrote some of the earliest known pieces for use in a ballet production. The tradition continued during the Romantic period with composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky writing famous ballets such as “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.”
Features
Ballet music has several defining features that separate it from other types of classical music. For example, it tends to be very light and airy in texture, often featuring intricate melodic lines played by woodwinds or strings.
The tempo is usually slow or moderate; fast tempos are sometimes used during more energetic or dramatic scenes. Ballet music is usually written in a traditional meter such as 4/4 time or 6/8 time; irregular rhythms are rarely used in order to maintain a steady beat that dancers can move to comfortably.
Instruments
Ballet scores can include any combination of instruments from small ensembles to full orchestras depending on the size and scope of the production. Traditional instruments used in ballet scores include strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion; modern scores sometimes incorporate electronic instruments or even pop elements depending on the choreography and tone desired by the director.
Conclusion
Ballet music is an important part of any successful production and its characteristic features help bring alive both classic ballets and modern productions alike. Its light yet intricate textures provide an ideal backdrop for graceful movements while its steadied meters ensure dancers will be able to move with confidence through their routines. With its wide array of possible instrumentation, ballets can truly come alive when accompanied by quality music tailored specifically towards them.