Concertino da camera (Ibert)

Concertino da Camera pour Saxophone Alto et Onze Instruments ("Short concerto for alto saxophone and eleven instruments") was written by Jacques Ibert during the year 1935. Ibert dedicated the work to his friend, saxophonist Sigurd Rascher, who premiered the first movement in 1935. Later that year, Ibert completed the second movement, and the work was performed for the first time in its entirety by Rascher in December, 1935.

The work is in two movements, the first, Allegro con moto, is lively and technically challenging and the second, Larghetto – Animato Molto begins with a hauntingly lyrical passage before resuming the energetic pace of the beginning, interrupted by a short cadenza. The concerto is distinctive for its large range requiring the use of saxophone altissimo. The accompanying ensemble consists of: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet and strings (small string orchestra). The piece shares similarities with his concerto for flute.