Since the 1900s French composers have advanced the harp to new levels of virtuosity and expression, with growing technical demands.

Caplet's Divertissements features some of the most unique and perfectly executed writing in the harp's entire literature; great technical poise is required to deliver the bold pedal glissandi. Tournier and Debussy established the harp as a crucial exponent of the dreamy impressionist style; its colours and sonority are key.

A century later Mantovani utilises a breath-taking spectrum of attacks and techniques: furious scalic motives, nail sounds, bisbigliandi, and sudden, shrill fortes which makes Tocar a testament to the harp's more virile characteristics. Schoeller's Esstal is in sharp contrast; its delicate figurations create a more peaceful mood and demonstrate another side to this versatile instrument.

The programme closes with Fauré's Impromptu which makes use of harmonics, glissandi, cross fingerings and rich arpeggios.