The timeless ballet Giselle tells a story of love, betrayal, and redemption that has captivated audiences for generations. The tale of a young peasant girl who falls in love, experiences heartbreak, and ultimately transcends her earthly suffering through forgiveness is as relevant today as it was when it first premiered in 1841. In the spirit of keeping this classic alive, Giselle’s Modern Playlist offers a contemporary soundtrack inspired by the ballet’s emotional journey, blending modern music with the timeless themes of the story.
- “Young and Beautiful” – Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s hauntingly beautiful voice captures the innocence and tragic love of Giselle. The ethereal quality of the song mirrors the fragility of Giselle’s heart, full of youthful hope yet shadowed by the inevitability of heartache. This track sets the tone for the playlist, encapsulating the bittersweet beauty of Giselle’s first act. - “Cellophane” – FKA twigs
In “Cellophane,” FKA twigs delivers a raw and vulnerable performance that echoes the emotional turmoil Giselle faces upon discovering her lover’s betrayal. The song’s delicate yet powerful energy reflects Giselle’s descent into madness, her heart breaking under the weight of deception. - “Lovely” – Billie Eilish & Khalid
This poignant duet captures the tender moments of love and longing that are central to Giselle’s tale. Billie Eilish and Khalid’s voices intertwine like the ill-fated lovers, expressing the delicate balance between love and sorrow that defines Giselle’s experience. - “Hunger” – Florence + The Machine
With its driving rhythm and powerful vocals, “Hunger” by Florence + The Machine parallels Giselle’s inner turmoil and emotional depth. The song’s exploration of longing and the search for meaning in love resonates with Giselle’s desperate yearning for happiness and fulfillment. - “Without You” – David Guetta feat. Usher
Usher’s melancholic “Without You” echoes the profound sense of loss that permeates Giselle’s story. The song’s sorrowful tone is a reflection of the emptiness Giselle feels after her lover’s betrayal, a reminder of the love she thought was eternal. - “Ghost” – Justin Bieber
The supernatural elements of Giselle’s second act are mirrored in Justin Bieber’s “Ghost.” This track speaks to the theme of love that transcends life and death, much like Giselle’s transformation into a spirit who forgives and protects the man who wronged her. - “Unsteady” – X Ambassadors
The emotional instability in “Unsteady” by X Ambassadors resonates with Giselle’s fragile state of mind as she navigates the thin line between love and despair. The song’s haunting lyrics and melody underscore the precariousness of Giselle’s journey. - “The Archer” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s introspective “The Archer” delves into feelings of vulnerability and longing, mirroring Giselle’s search for understanding and connection. The track’s reflective tone captures the essence of Giselle’s emotional journey. - “Lost Without You” – Freya Ridings
Freya Ridings’ “Lost Without You” is a deeply emotional ballad that encapsulates the theme of loss and the desperate need for love, much like Giselle’s feelings after her betrayal. The song’s raw emotion makes it a fitting tribute to the ballet’s tragic love story. - “Ghostin” – Ariana Grande
The delicate melody and haunting lyrics of Ariana Grande’s “Ghostin” reflect the ethereal and ghostly elements of Giselle’s second act. This track evokes the otherworldly atmosphere of the ballet, where Giselle becomes a protective spirit. - “I Found” – Amber Run
“I Found” by Amber Run captures the bittersweet nature of Giselle’s love—filled with both hope and sorrow. The song’s haunting quality aligns with the duality of Giselle’s emotions as she navigates love and betrayal. - “All I Want” – Kodaline
Kodaline’s “All I Want” is a raw and heartfelt track that expresses the anguish of unfulfilled love. Its poignant lyrics and emotional intensity make it a fitting companion to Giselle’s tragic narrative. - “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron
The wistful longing in “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron perfectly encapsulates the sense of missed connection that defines Giselle’s story. The song’s dreamy quality reflects the haunting memory of lost love that lingers throughout the ballet. - “In My Veins” – Andrew Belle feat. Erin McCarley
The haunting and ethereal “In My Veins” mirrors the ghostly presence of Giselle in the ballet’s second act. This track conveys the deep emotional connection that transcends physical existence, much like Giselle’s undying love. - “Dancing On My Own” – Calum Scott
Calum Scott’s “Dancing On My Own” offers a modern take on unrequited love and loneliness, resonating with Giselle’s feelings of isolation and heartache. The song’s poignant lyrics and emotive delivery capture the essence of Giselle’s despair. - “Stay” – Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko
The emotional intensity of “Stay” reflects the desperation and longing in Giselle’s story. Rihanna and Mikky Ekko’s powerful vocals evoke the deep yearning that drives Giselle’s actions, even after her heart has been shattered. - “No Time to Die” – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die” captures the tragic and suspenseful elements of Giselle’s narrative. The song’s moody atmosphere and haunting lyrics align with the ballet’s themes of betrayal and impending doom. - “Runaway” – AURORA
AURORA’s ethereal “Runaway” serves as a fitting closer to the playlist. Its themes of escape and reflection echo the resolution of Giselle’s tale, where love ultimately transcends the pain of betrayal, leading to redemption and peace.
- “Young and Beautiful” – Lana Del Rey
Giselle’s Modern Playlist is a carefully curated collection that breathes new life into the classic ballet, offering a contemporary take on its timeless story. Each song has been chosen to reflect the emotions, themes, and atmosphere of Giselle, creating a musical journey that is as haunting and beautiful as the ballet itself. Whether you are a fan of the original work or discovering it for the first time, this playlist offers a modern symphony of love, betrayal, and redemption that resonates with the human experience.
