Balada's works from the early 1960s display some of the characteristics of neoclassicism, but he was ultimately dissatisfied with this technique, and in 1966 began to move towards a more avant-garde style, producing works such as Guernica. Balada felt a need for a change again in 1975, his work from then onward being characterized by the combination of folk dance rhythms with the avant-garde techniques of the previous period. Harmonically, Balada's mature period work displays a combination of the tonality of folk music with atonality. Compositions representative of this period include Homage to Sarasate and Homage to Casals. No matter the stylistic phase, Balada's music features extensive rhythmic variance and unique orchestration, often in service of a haunting atmosphere.
^ abcWright, David (2007–2012). "Balada, Leonardo". In: Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online, accessed 26 March 2012.(subscription required)
^"Balada, Leonardo" In: Kennedy, Michael (ed) The Oxford Dictionary of Music, 2nd ed rev. Oxford Music Online, accessed March 26, 2012.(subscription required)
^Webber, Christopher (2007–2012). "Balada, Leonardo". In: Latham, Alison (ed). The Oxford Companion to Music. Oxford Music Online, accessed 26 March 2012.(subscription required)
^Leonardo Balada, Naxos Classical Music, naxos.com, accessed 27 March 2012.