This recording by the Ciconia Consort, Couleurs de France, offers a rare and impressive journey through four lesser-known works for string orchestra by three important French composers of the 20th century: André Jolivet, Jacques Castérède and Daniel-Lesur.

Jacques Castérède's connection to his French predecessors is evident in his use of modal, chromatic and diatonic scales. As a student of Olivier Messiaen, Castérède nevertheless developed a highly personal harmonic style within an extended tonal idiom, characterized by melodic clarity and accessibility. His compositions seem to harmonically unite the various French styles of the 20th century. In his work we hear the tonal influences of Arthur Honegger, Daniel-Lesur and his teacher Messiaen - all woven into a coherent, lyrical whole.

Throughout his life, André Jolivet strove to "restore music to its original, ancient meaning, when it still served as a magical, evocative expression of the religious convictions of human communities. "* His later compositions continued this quest and explored the original function of music as an emotional, ritual and festive form of expression. His Symphonie pour cordes, commissioned by French radio and television, was composed in 1961 and premiered on January 9, 1962. The symphony demands exceptional technical skills from all performers. It is written in a freely atonal tonal language and is characterized by intense dissonances. Daniel Jean Yves Lesur (1908-2002) was a French composer, organist and teacher who was closely associated with the group La Jeune France, together with Olivier Messiaen and André Jolivet. His music often reflects a balance between tradition and modernity, combining rich harmonies with spiritual depth. Lesur's oeuvre includes choral works, chamber music and orchestral compositions, yet he is less well known than some of his contemporaries.

His instrumental works include the Sérénade pour cordes (1949), a luminous piece that highlights his lyrical style and fine craftsmanship. Written for string orchestra, the work combines classical clarity with the exploration of colorful modal harmonies characteristic of Lesur's personal voice.

This recording is the fifth CD by the Ciconia Consort (The Hague String Orchestra), a Dutch string orchestra conducted by Dick van Gasteren, an internationally active conductor who assisted Bernard Haitink at the 1995 Mahler Festival Amsterdam. The CD was released by Brilliant Classics.