Isabelle Aboulker

Isabelle Aboulker (1938–2020) was a French composer and pianist known for her witty, theatrical vocal works that blended storytelling with playful melodies. Born into a musical family in Paris (her father was composer Marcel Bâton), she studied at the Paris Conservatoire and became a beloved figure in contemporary French music, particularly for her operas, children’s pieces, and art songs. Her works often drew inspiration from literature and history, like *Molière ou la double vie de Jean-Baptiste P.* or *Jules Renard mis en chanson*, which turned whimsical texts into vibrant, singable mini-dramas.

Aboulker had a knack for making classical music feel approachable, especially with kid-friendly projects like *Cinq contes musicaux pour les petits* (*Five Musical Tales for Little Ones*). Her style mixed lyrical charm with sly humor, earning her accolades like the Prix de la SACEM. Though she composed for major stages, her music also thrived in classrooms and intimate venues, leaving a legacy of art that celebrated the joy of singing and storytelling.

Genres

Classical

Contemporary Classical

Opera

Chamber Music

Children's Music

Art Song

Theatrical Music

French Chanson

Musical Theatre

Related Artists

Claude Debussy

Erik Satie

Maurice Ravel

Barbara

Francis Poulenc

Olivier Messiaen

Édith Piaf

Gabriel Fauré

Camille Saint-Saëns

Vanessa Paradis

Michel Legrand

Sergei Prokofiev

Latest Release

Isabelle Aboulker: L'Inconstante

Isabelle Aboulker•

Julie Roset

Single - Released March 3, 2025