The Art of Ballet Accompaniment

A Comprehensive Guide

Gerald R. Lishka

• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9780253063342
• eBook ISBN: 9780253063366
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Music

The Art of Ballet Accompaniment: A Comprehensive Guide addresses every imaginable topic and challenge that a ballet accompanist—whether a novice or a more experienced practitioner—might encounter.

More than just a facile anthology of accessible music, this inclusive guide details all aspects of playing for ballet, including a complete manual for editing piano literature to accompany ballet technique classes. Author Gerald R. Lishka encourages ballet accompanists to be imaginative, creative, independent artists who can also communicate effectively with dance instructors. In addition, he clarifies the necessary balance between the use of existing musical scores and the art of improvisation.

Featuring a new foreword by Kyra Nichols, an expanded section on Lishka's personal philosophy, an updated section on barre from Alison Hennessey, and over 100 music examples, The Art of Ballet Accompaniment offers invaluable advice for all levels of pianists and accompanists.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Preface
• Introduction: How I View the Art of Ballet Accompaniment
• 1. The Ballet Class
• 2. Advice and Guidance
• 3. Barre and Center Combinations
• 4. Suggested Piano Repertory for Barre and Center Work
• 5. Preparing and Arranging Piano Repertory for Ballet Class
• 6. Adapting Piano Repertory with Complex Phrasing Challenges: Four Advanced Lessons
• 7. Improvisation
• 8. Ballet-Related Accompanying Outside the Ballet Technique Class
• Index of Steps
• About the Author