Jacques Ibert and Arthur Honegger were very close, to the point of writing a four-hand opera together: L’Aiglon, based on the drama by Edmond Rostand. Their friendship did not, however, obscure their difference in style. Both coming from the French school, they followed very different paths. The symphonic triptych Escales describes a voyage in the Mediterranean that had a strong influence on Ibert. He brought back these three picturesque and refined pieces.

Deeply affected by the Second World War, Honegger felt the need to compose music “against the tide of barbarity, stupidity and suffering”. His 'Liturgique'Symphony is a cry of distress as well as a powerful and moving appeal for peace between peoples. Gone are the days when the Geneva press called Concerto No. 2 in B flat major a “great cadaver”. Brahms has long been adored by the public, who constantly ask for it.