Jacques Ibert - Piano Music (Complete) - Hae-won Chang - Marco Polo 1991

Jacques Ibert (1890-1962) is one of the most interesting composers I think (along with Koechlin, Poulenc, Caplet, Tailleferre..) outside of, needless to say, the giants of French music Debussy and Ravel. His piano music is charming, from the meditative to the highly playful. I first heard the nine-movement "Histoires" when I was a 20-something lad and indeed wanted more. This was before I was familiar with any of Ibert's other music ("Escales", the Flute Concerto, etc.) 

"Again, Naxos ferrets out unfamiliar repertory that delights as it teases with the question: why didn't somebody think of this before? Ibert's piano music is a bit reminiscent of Poulenc's but more straightforward. These tiny Pictures, Stories, Encounters, and sundry musical images - some 36 of them before this generous program has run its course - enchant even if they don't cut very deeply. The Romance offers Schumannesque Lyricism; the 'Abandoned Palace' and ' The Wind Over The Ruins' have spooky Gothic atmosphere; the brilliant 'Cabman's Dance' sprints off the keyboard and out of sight; the children's pieces evoke innocence and wonder in the mode of Ravel's Mother Goose.

"As usual, Naxos serves up a fresh, impressive musician along with the novel music. Korean pianist He-won Chang plays with crisp rhythms, subtle colors, and a sense of joy. The sound is warm and resplendent. This enterprising label shows that there is no reason for brainless "easy listening". Plenty of great music with a light touch is out there, waiting to be unearthed.

Jack Sullivan

American Record Guide, October 2000

Tonight I will hopefully post some of Ibert's orchestral music if I have time.

Enjoy

Ibert_ Complete_Piano_Music_MP_Tzadik.zip

http://www22.zippyshare.com/v/20215897/file.html