Piano Pieces by Ibert: Gem-like Masterworks by a 20th-Century French Composer

Jacques Ibert, whose stylish and sophisticated works are highly acclaimed.

After serving as a naval officer in World War I and graduating from a conservatory, he went on to achieve numerous distinctions—including winning the Prix de Rome and being appointed director of the Paris Opéra—securing his place in history as one of France’s leading composers.

He is also known for his connection to Japan: at the request of the French government, he composed the Festive Overture to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the Japanese imperial era.

In this article, we’ll highlight piano works by Ibert,introducing them along with the background of their composition and their distinctive features.

Playlist

Piano Pieces by Ibert: Gem-like Masterworks by a 20th-Century French Composer
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Toccata on the Name of Albert RousselJacques Ibert		Short piece in homage to Roussel, composed by Ibert
2	Six Pieces No. 8: Crystal BasketJacques Ibert		The Beautiful World of the Crystal Cage, composed by Ibert
3	Six Pieces No. 5: “Morning on the Water”Jacques Ibert		The elegant style of Ibert's 'Divertissement: Morning on the Water'
4	Story, No. 2: “The Little White Donkey”Jacques Ibert		A bright suite by the French composer Ibert
5	Romantic miniatureJacques Ibert		Composed by Ibert. A romantic short piece. Bright and approachable.
6	Fateful Encounters: No. 1, The Flower-Selling MaidensJacques Ibert		Suite on Female Professions, composed by Ibert
7	Scherzetto in D-flat majorJacques Ibert		A bright and lively masterpiece by Ibert
8	French styleJacques Ibert		Introducing the piano piece “À la manière française” by Ibert
9	Wind of the RuinsJacques Ibert		War-influenced piano piece by the French composer Ibert
10	Little Suite in 15 Images, No. 15: ‘Coachman’s Dance’Jacques Ibert		Introduction to Ibert’s “Le petit âne blanc” (The Little White Donkey)
11	Little Suite in 15 Images No. 8: “Romance”Jacques Ibert		The Charm of Ibert’s “Romance”
12	Story, No. 1: “The Woman Who Uses the Golden Turtle”Jacques Ibert		A fantastical piano piece by Ibert, oriental and poetic in character
13	Megariai (Chance Encounters) No. 2: Creole DaughtersJacques Ibert		Expressing women's allure and independence in works by Ibert
14	Little Suite of 15 Images, No. 10: Serenade on the WaterJacques Ibert		A light and lyrical orchestral piece composed by Ibert
15	Story, No. 9: “The Water-Selling Woman”Jacques Ibert		Ibert’s The Girl Selling Water depicts a Mediterranean scene