Ballerina cover

Released 10 years ago

Ballerina

Klaus Badelt · 2016

30 min · 8 tracks

A lush orchestral score intertwines with emotional themes, capturing the spirit of dance and longing throughout its cinematic journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ballerina — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, fusing delicate strings with vibrant melodies that evoke the grace and beauty of dance.
  • →
    Unstoppable — This piece stands out for its uplifting arrangement and powerful orchestration, serving as an anthem of determination and resilience.
  • →
    Escaping the Orphanage — With its poignant harmonies and dynamic shifts, this track illustrates a narrative arc of hope and freedom, reflecting a key moment in the storyline.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The score effectively combines orchestral elements with emotional themes, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks build a strong emotional arc with rising orchestral swells, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective piano theme.
  • Several tracks feature layered strings and woodwinds that create a lush soundscape, enhancing the cinematic quality of the music.
  • The album maintains a consistent tempo throughout, with only slight variations that mirror the narrative flow of dance and longing.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey unfolding
  • cinematic soundscapes for daydreaming
  • emotive themes for reflective moments
  • lush arrangements enhancing focus

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer standalone, quick listens

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Ballerina' was released in December 2016, Klaus Badelt had established himself as a prominent film composer, known for his work on scores like 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' This album marked a shift towards more personal and introspective compositions, showcasing his ability to blend classical elements with storytelling through music.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 You Know It’s About You 3:43
  • 2 Unstoppable 4:16
  • 3 Blood Sweat and Tears 3:38
  • 4 Ballerina 4:04
  • 5 Dreams and the Music Box 3:19
  • 6 Escaping the Orphanage 3:49
  • 7 The Liberty Chase 3:56
  • 8 You Know It’s About You (Piano & Voice) (Bonus Track) 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata