by Catherine L. Tully
Original Compositions for Ballet Class, Volume 10 was composed and played by Anthony J. Patterson (pianist/conductor/composer) and directed by Cherie Noble (choreographer/ballet master/teacher).
The barre music on this CD offers 12 repeated tracks, and this includes plies, tendus (3), degages (2) rond de jambe, frappes, fondu, rond de jambe (en l’air), and adagio and grands battements. Tracks are long enough for exercises to be repeated and the music is pretty and clear.
The centre music has 21 tracks that range from 32 bars for grand adagio and tours en l’air to 64 bars for exercises such as tendus, petit allegro and pirouettes, to 128 bars for grand allegro and pique turns. The style here varies and you will hear everything from a tango with accordion to a jig with dulcimer. Nothing is too “out there” though, and the variety keeps things interesting and adds a little extra energy.
This CD is ideal for teachers who are really looking to freshen up their classroom music with something different. Overall there are 70+ minutes here to use, and all of it is well-played.