Abstract

Recent administrative changes at Alphonse Leduc Publishers have resulted in the availability of the manuscript to Jacques Ibert's Concertino da Camera. This article provides detailed excerpts from Ibert's original manuscript, in both the full score and piano reduction forms, along with explanations of the many questions and discrepancies regarding the work's controversial passages. A comprehensive errata list is also included. The article provides answers to many of the persistent questions that have lingered about this work since its creation in 1935.

Keywords: Ibert, Concertino, Manuscript, Saxophone, Repertory

At long last, we have some answers. The manuscript to Jacques Ibert's Concertino da Camera has become available. Having access to this document allows us to answer some of the questions that have persisted about this work since its creation in 1935. While access to the manuscript is cause for celebration and answers some questions, it also raises others.

Background

Alphonse Leduc and Co. in Paris has had the manuscript to Ibert's Concertino da Camera in its possession since the completion of the work in 1935, although access to it was previously restricted. Recent administrative changes at Leduc have resulted in new circumstances regarding access to its manuscripts. In preparation for the sale of the company to Wise Music (which took place in late 2013), Leduc sold some of its manuscripts. When the Ibert family learned of these sales, they met with executives at Leduc to express their displeasure. Véronique Ibert Péréal, granddaughter of the composer, relates: