Masterpieces of Ballet Music: Introducing Classic Favorites
Even when they hear “ballet music,” many people who haven’t experienced ballet may find it hard to picture what the pieces sound like.
So this time, we’ve selected a collection of famous ballet music for those very people.
From classic masterpieces everyone knows to relatively recent works, we’ve curated a wide range.
Because many of the pieces will sound familiar, we think even those not well-versed in classical music or ballet can enjoy them.
Now, please take your time and immerse yourself in the beautiful world of ballet music!
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- Masterpieces of Ballet Music: Introducing Classic Favorites
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- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- [Tchaikovsky] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Classic masterpieces recommended for women
- Disney classics to enjoy in a classical arrangement: recommended popular songs
- Sweet, gentle tones and resonance: A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces
Masterpieces of Ballet Music: Introducing Classic Standards (11–20)
Dance of the HoursAmilcare Ponchielli
Amilcare Ponchielli is one of Italy’s foremost composers.
He wrote many operas, and one of them, Dance of the Hours, gained popularity when it was used as background music in a Disney film in 1940, and later appeared in comic ballet as well.
Comic ballet is a derivative genre of ballet—put simply, it’s ballet with strong musical-theater elements.
The music itself is wonderful, but be sure to check out the comic ballet, too.
SpartacusAram Khachaturian
Aram Khachaturian, a musician from Georgia in the Russian Empire.
Unusually for a serious classical musician, he was also actively involved in film scores, and from the 1930s to the 1960s he appears to have had considerable media exposure.
Today, however, Aram Khachaturian is best known as a composer of ballet music, having produced numerous masterpieces such as Gayane and Spartacus.
Spartacus is especially recommended among his works, beautifully conveying the sorrowful atmosphere of a story about slaves.
The Nutcracker “March”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker, a ballet score loved around the world as a winter classic.
Composed by Tchaikovsky and premiered as a suite in March 1892, it captivates with lively melodies that almost everyone has heard at least once.
Its charming rhythms, as if toys were merrily springing to life, brighten listeners’ hearts.
The orderly sense of tempo and the brilliant orchestral colors also make it an excellent match as background music when you want to focus on studying or work.
Try choosing it when you want to keep your tasks moving along rhythmically.
The Dying SwanCamille Saint-Saëns
The masterpiece The Carnival of the Animals, composed by Camille Saint-Saëns.
The Dying Swan is a world-renowned piece choreographed by Mikhail Fokine to the movement The Swan from The Carnival of the Animals for the great ballerina Anna Pavlova.
As a short work of about four minutes, it places a strong emphasis on the ballerina’s expressive abilities.
It is a wonderful piece of ballet music on its own, but I believe you will enjoy it even more when seen together with the dance.
GayanehAram Khachaturian
Aram Khachaturian, a musician from Georgia in the Russian Empire who had a major impact on modern music, produced numerous masterpieces and was active from the 1930s through the 1960s.
Among his works, Gayaneh is his most famous ballet score, known in Japan as “Gaine.” Although the story of Gayaneh is somewhat complex, the music’s craftsmanship and the choreography make it accessible.
As a result, it may be difficult for beginners to grasp, but those who have some experience watching ballet will find it enjoyable—so be sure to check it out.
The Creatures Of PrometheusLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most important musicians in history.
Considered the culmination of Classical-era music, he had a profound influence on later Romantic music.
Among Beethoven’s works, the ballet music The Creatures of Prometheus is particularly famous.
In Japan, it is known under the title “Prometheus no Sōzōbutsu” (The Creatures of Prometheus).
Today, the overture is most commonly performed, but both Act I and Act II are excellent, so be sure to check them out.
Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a great musician who produced numerous masterpieces of ballet music.
For those not familiar with ballet, he may be known simply as a famous classical composer, but in fact it’s no exaggeration to call him the father of ballet music, given how many celebrated works he created.
Among these is the renowned “Waltz of the Flowers,” one of the pieces featured in The Nutcracker, which—as its title suggests—unfolds in a brilliant major key.
The Tale of the Stone FlowerSergei Prokofiev
The ballet The Tale of the Stone Flower is based on a folk tale from the Ural region.
In Japan, it is known by the title Ishino Hana (The Stone Flower).
This work was composed by the prolific 20th-century musician Sergei Prokofiev, and after his representative works Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella, it became a major topic of discussion.
Shortly after completing this piece, Prokofiev passed away, but it continues to be celebrated today as a masterpiece of ballet music.
CinderellaSergei Prokofiev
Sergei Prokofiev was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
He is known for famous works across various musical forms, including ballet music.
Among his representative works is the ballet Cinderella, known in Japan under the same title.
There’s a behind-the-scenes story that this piece was created following the success of Romeo and Juliet, and the fact that he calculated so carefully and managed to produce not just one but two phenomenal hits—well, it’s nothing short of impressive.
The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns
Camille Saint-Saëns was a French musician who achieved worldwide renown as a pianist, organist, and conductor.
He published numerous musical works, including operas, ballet music, and pieces in the Baroque style.
This piece, The Swan—later widely known in its arranged form as The Dying Swan—was originally known by the title The Swan at the time.
Its reputation has grown over the years, and its structure reveals a high level of refinement in even the smallest details.