The Études for orchestra, lasting more than 30 minutes, is a significant work and an orchestral showpiece. Like other works of the composer, it reveals the influence of Stravinsky and the French composers of his time as well as his experience as a soundtrack composer in Hollywood. The first, Allegro risoluto, opens violently with lots of percussion and an atmosphere reminiscent of Honegger. The second, Andante sostenuto, has the tense calm of an interplanetary film soundtrack thanks to the high pitched sustained notes of the strings. The third, Allegro scherzando, is an agitated piece exploiting unusual timbres and Stravinskian rhythms. The fourth, Lento, sounds like an excerpt from the soundtrack of a thriller. The fifth, Allegro con spirito, is playful and light. The last, Très long, is dark and pensive, and ends fading away with bell tolls. n

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