Music for Dance Interview: Fabian Reimair
Photography by ASH
Biography:
Fabian Reimair was born in Vienna, Austria, where he trained and spent the first 8 years of his professional dancing career with the Vienna State Ballet. In 2002 he moved to London to join the English National Ballet as a Junior Soloist, was promoted to Soloist in 2003 and First Soloist in 2007. Fabian has danced many leading roles and had the opportunity to work with some of the most influential choreographers to date. Some highlights include performing with ENB on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival and at the 'Concert for Diana', Wembley Stadium. Throughout his career, Fabian has choreographed several short pieces and this is where he started to compose his own music, to have more freedom and be independent in his choreographic ventures.
As a computer musician not bound to any specific genre, he started to rework some classical pieces and create new and original material by combining classical instruments with the modern sound of synthesizers. The first of his compositions performed on stage was ‘Unbreakable’ in Cape Town, SA (2017) and since then, he collaborated remotely with numerous choreographers on different projects around the globe. In June 2022 he was given the opportunity by English National Ballet to compose his first piece for orchestra. 'NEFES' was performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic as part of the 'Emerging Dancer' event.
What does music mean to you?
Music is a very important constant companion in my life. It can change or enhance my mood in an instant. When I wake up in the morning I put the radio on, on my commute I listen to one of my playlists, or I use the time to do some research/learning about the technical aspects of music, at work I train and rehearse to (mostly classical) music and when I get back home I create my own music. There's very rarely a time when I prefer silence.
What is your favourite score or piece of music that you have danced to, and why?
Definitely Sergei Prokofiev's ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' I never get tired of it, it has absolutely everything in it....drama, tension, beautiful melodies, unusual instruments, uplifting sections, gentle solos and big rhythmic numbers....maybe I'm biased, but I can really hear the story in the music without the need of visuals. I was lucky enough to hear it played live many times over the years.
If you could commission a composer to write a piece of music specifically for you to dance to, what would you look for?
If I was to choreograph (for me), I'll probably look for a composer that listens to my ideas and suggestions, possibly someone that has a connection of some sort with dance, has a good understanding of movement, or has composed for dance before. Someone that doesn't provide me with a finished product, but is happy to make adjustments along the way. Someone that sees dance as an enhancement to their music, not a backdrop.
What is the relationship between music and dance to you?
Generally speaking it's a match made in heaven! Both communicate emotion and can really elevate each other when evenly balanced. A good piece of music can amplify the choreography and vice versa. They give each other an extra dimension by stimulating more senses.
As a dancer, do you have any musical inspirations?
I am a big fan of Belgian composer Nicholas Lens. When I discovered 'Flamma Flamma - The Fire Requiem' (part of 'The Accacha Chronicles'), I'd listen to it for months. His music is so unique, something I've never heard before. That album also inspired me to create my very first choreography at the time.
Where to find Fabian?
Website: http://www.fabianreimair.com
Instagram: @fabianreimairaudio
