Jean-Joël Barbier

Jean-Joël Barbier was a French pianist, writer and composer born in 1920 in Belfort. He studied piano in Paris and became known for his refined interpretations of French music, particularly the works of Erik Satie. Barbier recorded several acclaimed albums of Satie’s piano music and also performed and recorded works by other French composers such as Chabrier, Fauré and Ravel. In addition to his performing career he wrote essays and novels and maintained close ties with literary and artistic circles. His playing was noted for clarity, sensitivity and a poetic approach to the repertoire.