Ises was nicknamed "the musicians' opera" because of its sophistication and its "intellectual" quality. A tragedy in five acts with a prologue, the story is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses and written by Philippe Quinault. Because the story surrounds a love-interest that was seen to mirror one of the king's own scandals at the time, Quinault came under royal disfavor and was banished from court. Juno is jealous of Jupiter's love for the nymph Io, and plagues her until Jupiter promises to be faithful. Io was seen to represent Mme de Ludres, the king's new mistress, and Juno her jealous rival Mme de Montespant.

One of the most famous scenes is the chorus of the frozen peoples in ACT IV. For this scene Lully choreographed a celebrated pantomime. The orchestra and chorus imitate people from cold climates shivering in a light and comic vein. It inspired the frost scene in Purcell's semi-opera King Arthur.

The divertissement of ACT III tells the story of Pan and Syrinx. As Syrinx is being hunted, Lully writes for a double chorus and two groups of dancers. The couple's moving dialogues are surrounded by choruses, and the scene culminates in a tragic solo for Pan. "Helas, helas! quel bruit" is accompanied by recorders, as Syrinx has been changed into a reed, through which the winds blow. Lully thought of this divertissement when he passed a swamp and heard the sounds of the wind.

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