judy rice

The CD: Behind Barres, Volume 1 (Revised)

The Details: Over an hour of ballet class music, 25 tracks. This revised CD has doubled the length of nine of the musical selections for the centre work.

The Review: The excellent pairing of Judy Rice and Paul Lewisteam up again for another wonderful ballet class CD featuring selections by Tchaikovsky, Delibes, Minkus and various others. The tracks are infused with emotion and Lewis once again delivers a top-notch performance; although one would expect nothing less from this accomplished ballet accompanist.

The 25-track listing includes a full barre that is suitable for any level class. Centre music is varied and offers petit, medium and grand allegro as well as an adage and pirourette selections. Sample tracks can be heard on the website, including tendu and a medium allegro. It’s a good sampling of what the album has, so if you are interested, be sure and have a listen.

This CD is a good investment since it can be used for all levels and the track lengths are long enough to used in advanced classes. If you are looking for dramatic arrangements, this is also a great pick–many of the selections are very moving. (For something lighter, take a look at Under The Palms.)

Disclosure

CD Title: Under The Palms, Brazilian, Cuban, Creole and other Tropical Music For Ballet Class

By: Behind Barres Presents: Paul Lewis & Judy Rice

I have to confess that I was a little frightened to see what this CD was all about when I heard the title. If done poorly, it could have been a disaster.

Luckily, I had no need to worry.

Under the Palms is a terrific CD for ballet class. If you are ever having a day where you need a little bit of inspiration, use this album and you’ll be in a better mood in no time. Recorded with a single stereo microphone, it gives the music the sound of live piano in the studio. I doubt that it’s possible to feel anything other than energetic when you hear these tracks. So many ballet class CDs sound the same that it was very refreshing to hear something so different–and so good.

Peppy without being campy, I was very impressed that the CD was filled with such thoughtfully arranged tracks. Carefully metered out by Lewis without losing heart and soul, the flow here is palpable. Although most of the music is upbeat, the slower tracks are also quite pretty.

The class was designed by Judy Rice, a professional with over 20 years of experience as an instructor, including time on faculty at the Joffrey Ballet School, Steps and the Broadway Dance Center. Pianist, Paul Lewis has 29 years of experience playing–and it shows. He is the company pianist for the Joffrey Ballet.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on this CD–it’s better than many of the “regular” ones out there, yet it is truly different. Adding it to your lineup will give you a sunny pick for those days that you need one.

Disclosure

Review: Behind Barres, Volume 1 (Revised)

Ballet Class CD Review: Under The Palms

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