Le Corsaire is a ballet filled with high-seas adventure, swashbuckling pirates, epic romance, and moments of tension that build to a dramatic crescendo. But what if you could capture that same spirit with modern music? That’s the idea behind Waves & Rebellion, a playlist that reimagines the energy and emotion of Le Corsaire through contemporary sounds. This curated selection of songs takes you on a journey through love, danger, and freedom, just like the ballet—but with a fresh, modern twist.
A Pirate’s Life Reimagined
The ballet follows the pirate Conrad as he embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his beloved Medora from the clutches of a powerful slave trader. While classical music beautifully complements this narrative onstage, Waves & Rebellion brings in modern tracks like “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid and “No Church in the Wild” by Jay-Z and Kanye West that evoke the same sense of adventure and rebellion.
Love and Longing
At the core of Le Corsaire is the love story between Conrad and Medora. “Breath of Life” by Florence + The Machine captures the passionate highs and lows of their relationship, while “End of the Affair” by Ben Howard mirrors the more tender and bittersweet moments. As you listen, you’ll hear the heartbeat of a love story that feels timeless, with a mix of soaring melodies and introspective lyrics that pull you into the depths of their connection.
Storms, Struggles, and Liberation
Of course, no pirate adventure is complete without its share of danger. The ballet’s thrilling shipwreck scene and Conrad’s narrow escapes are represented in songs like “Storm” by Django Django, “Darkside” by Alan Walker, and “Way Down We Go” by Kaleo, reflecting the darker, more tumultuous moments of Conrad’s life on the run. But amid the struggle, there’s also freedom. “Run With the Wolves” by AURORA brings out the wild, untamed spirit of a pirate who lives by no one’s rules.
A Cinematic Conclusion
The playlist ultimately brings you full circle, ending with reflective tracks like “To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra, which echoes the quiet, softer moments that balance out the ballet’s intensity. It’s a reminder that after every storm comes peace—something Conrad and Medora eventually find in their own way.
Whether you’re a fan of the ballet or simply love cinematic music, this soundtrack is designed to sweep you away on a modern-day corsair’s journey.
- “Run Boy Run” – Woodkid
A powerful and driving beat to set the tone for an adventure, filled with urgency and energy. - “No Church in the Wild” – Jay-Z & Kanye West ft. Frank Ocean
This track captures the rebellious and defiant spirit, perfect for the pirate life. - “Take Flight” – Lindsey Stirling
An instrumental piece with violin and electronic elements, evoking the sense of freedom and movement across the seas. - “Castle” – Halsey
A dark, atmospheric track representing power struggles and epic adventures. - “Breath of Life” – Florence + The Machine
This track’s haunting vocals and swelling instrumentation reflect the high drama and romance central to Le Corsaire. - “Glory and Gore” – Lorde
A modern anthem that mirrors the tension and conflict of Conrad’s pirate adventures. - “The Wolf” – Fever Ray
With an intense, primal vibe, this track underscores the danger and wild nature of a pirate’s life. - “To Build a Home” – The Cinematic Orchestra
A slow, emotional track to represent the tender moments between Conrad and Medora. - “The Woods” – Hollow Coves
A reflective and soothing track, reminiscent of the quieter moments of the ballet’s narrative, like planning an escape or reuniting with a loved one. - “Darkside” – Alan Walker ft. Au/Ra and Tomine Harket
An ethereal, electronic song capturing the mysterious and adventurous spirit of Le Corsaire. - “End of the Affair” – Ben Howard
A hauntingly emotional piece reflecting the bittersweet and intense romance between Conrad and Medora. - “Storm” – Django Django
A fast-paced, upbeat track filled with movement and a sense of escape, perfect for the dramatic storm scenes. - “Follow You” – Bring Me The Horizon
A powerful song about loyalty and love, capturing the unbreakable bond between Conrad and Medora. - “Way Down We Go” – Kaleo
This gritty, bluesy track evokes the danger and darkness that Conrad faces in his quest for freedom. - “Run With the Wolves” – AURORA
With a wild, untamed energy, this track mirrors the fearless spirit of Le Corsaire. - “Broken Crown” – Mumford & Sons
An intense track representing both the internal and external struggles of Conrad’s pirate world.
