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CD Review: Music for Ballet Lovers Vol. 7 “Precious Holiday Moments”

November 16, 2014 by Rachel Hellwig

Music for Ballet Lovers Vol. 7 “Precious Holiday Moments”
Yoshi Gurwell

by Rachel Hellwig

Precious Holiday Moments CD screenshot

Holiday music is always an enjoyable addition to November/December ballet classes. Yoshi Gurwell’s “Precious Holiday Moments” offers 28 tracks of Nutcracker melodies and traditional carols for intermediate+ center practice, in addition to 20 tracks of original music for barre. Some of the compositions for barre more engaging than others, but, overall, they are effective.

The Nutcracker selections are the highlight of the CD. They stand out for their creative arrangements and often cleverly combine pieces from Act I and Act II. If you want to add a little Nutcracker magic to everyday class, this suite should do the trick. Or, if you feel your students have grown tired of Nutcracker tunes from rehearsals, these arrangements may revive their interest in the music by showcasing it in a different light.

The traditional carol tracks are delightful as well. Gurwell adapts their speed and rhythms to suit different exercises, but, for the most part, they retain their easily recognizable melodies.

Overall, this collection makes a fun supplement  for the holiday season.

Filed Under: 4teachers, Music Reviews Tagged With: ballet class music, cd review, Music for Ballet Lovers Vol. 7 “Precious Holiday Moments” Yoshi Gurwell, Yoshi Gurwell

CD Review: Ballet Lovers, Vol. 8

August 11, 2014 by Rachel Hellwig

by Emily Kate Long

Music for Ballet Lovers Vol. 8: Gorgeous Moments II
Yoshi GurwellScreen_shot_2014-07-27_at_7.50.17_AM

Yoshi Gurwell’s Gorgeous Moments lives up to its name. The California-based pianist plays with heart and personality on all 40 tracks for barre and center floor. Rags, waltzes, tangos, marches, and polkas come in all speeds, lengths, and flavors to suit intermediate, advanced, or professional dancers. The music is a joy to move to—expressive without being overly busy. All the compositions on the disc are original works by Yoshi Gurwell’s husband Doug, arranged and performed by Yoshi.

I’ve come across other ballet class CDs with this much content (Gorgeous Moments offers 19 tracks for barre and 21 for center), and often the selections are so similar they seem unnecessary. Here each piece feels specific and important, making this album both useful and inspiring. I highly recommend it to teachers of higher-level dancers.

Filed Under: 4teachers, Music Reviews Tagged With: ballet class music, cd review, Yoshi Gurwell

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