Divertissement
The music of Ibert is probably more familiar to music students and faculty, owing to his many contributions of interesting and apt chamber and solo instrumental compositions, as well as a large body of songs. But, American symphony audiences may well be familiar with his evergreen, early work Escales (Ports of Call). It was written soon after World War I, and based upon his experiences during the war in the Mediterranean as a naval officer. The son of two professors at the Paris Conservatoire, he received a solid music education, later moonlighting as a pianist in the silent movie houses—an experience that played some part in his musical style. Service during the war interrupted his musical career, but he astounded everyone by winning the Prix du Rome on his fi >>>