Jacques Ibert

Date of Birth: August 15, 1890

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: February 5, 1962

Biography

Jacques François Antoine Marie Ibert was a French composer born on August 15, 1890, in Paris, France. He is renowned for his eclectic and often unclassifiable music, which spans various genres and styles. Ibert studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where he was a student of Paul Vidal and Émile Pessard. His early career was interrupted by World War I, during which he served in the French Navy. After the war, he returned to composing and won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1919 for his cantata “Le poète et la fée.” Ibert’s music is characterized by its vibrant colors, wit, and lyrical quality. He composed operas, ballets, symphonic works, chamber music, and film scores. Some of his most famous works include “Escales,” “Divertissement,” and the flute concerto. He also made significant contributions to the realm of incidental music for the theater and cinema. Throughout his career, Ibert held various influential positions, including the director of the French Academy in Rome from 1937 to 1960, although his tenure was interrupted by World War II. He passed away on February 5, 1962, leaving behind a legacy of diverse and imaginative compositions.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques Ibert

1. Jacques Ibert won the Prix de Rome in 1919, one of the most prestigious awards for young composers in France.

2. Despite his primarily classical training, Ibert composed several film scores, including the music for Orson Welles’ 1948 film “Macbeth.”

3. His work “Escales” (Ports of Call) is inspired by his time in the French Navy during World War I, reflecting the various ports he visited.

4. Ibert served as the director of the French Academy in Rome twice, from 1937 to 1960, with a break during World War II.

5. He composed the famous flute concerto in 1934, which remains a staple in the flute repertoire to this day.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques Ibert

1. “Music, for me, must be a constant source of joy and wonder.”

2. “I refuse to bind myself to any musical system. I claim freedom for my music.”

3. “The beauty of music is that it transcends the spoken word and reaches directly to the soul.”

4. “A composer should be able to create music for all occasions, to satisfy the most varied public.”

5. “I write what I feel, and I hope that others will feel it too.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jacques Ibert’s highest net worth is difficult to ascertain as specific financial records for historical composers are not typically well-documented. However, his successful career and prestigious positions suggest a comfortable financial status during his lifetime.