Ludwig Minkus, born Aloisius Ludwig Minkus on March 23, 1826, in Vienna, was a prolific composer of ballet music during the late 19th century. Initially learning music under the guidance of his father, a violinist, Minkus would go on to carve a unique niche for himself in the world of dance. He moved to Russia in the mid-1800s, where his career truly began to flourish, embedding himself in the rich cultural tapestry of Russian ballet.

Minkus is most celebrated for his enduring collaboration with the famed ballet master Marius Petipa, a partnership that would yield some of the most enduring works in the classical ballet repertoire. His compositions, such as "Don Quixote" and "La Bayadère," are famously associated with the golden age of the Imperial Russian Ballet and have been revived by ballet companies worldwide. Minkus's music is characterized by its melodious compositions that perfectly complemented the narrative and choreography of ballet productions. Although he retired in 1891 and passed away in Vienna on December 7, 1917, his music has lived on, enchanting audiences and dancers with its charm and elegance. These ballets have been kept alive through continual performances and recordings, some of which include slowed-down versions for practice, piano scores for rehearsal, and compilations of solo variations that continue to challenge and inspire dancers today.

Genres

Ballet Class

Post-romantic Era

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Jean Sibelius

Modest Mussorgsky

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Alexander Borodin

Latest Release

Gamzatti Variation (Slow)

Ludwig Minkus•

Traditional Music

Single - Released October 26, 2023