It was in Paris just before the end of the 19th century that George Enescu began to compose prolifically, but it is only in recent years that a number of these scores have emerged. The Piano Quintet in D major is one such work, lost for decades, but which proves to be a robust and elaborate piece reflecting the influence of Brahms. Enescu’s liking for unusual instrumental combinations is another theme of this album, such as the Prélude et Gavotte for violin, cello and two pianos, and the eloquent Pastorale, Menuet triste et Nocturne for violin and piano four hands. Aubade is Enescu’s only string trio, and the ever-popular Romanian Rhapsody no.1 in the arrangement for piano and string quintet ends the programme with a flourish.

Enescu’s Violin Sonatas nos. 2 and 3 can be heard on 8572691: ‘These are the finest readings of these sonatas that I have heard aside from the recordings that Enescu himself made…the advantage that these recordings have over those is high fidelity and brilliantly clear digital sound’ (American Record Guide).

The Fine Arts Quartet is one of the world’s leading quartets. They have received Gramophone Award and Recording of Legendary Status (Gramophone Classical Music Guide), Key Recording/Top Recommendation (Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music), Editor’s Choice (Gramophone), Critic’s Choice (American Record Guide) twice, BBC Music Magazine Choice and Recording of the Year (MusicWeb International) thrice.

The quartet’s violinists, Ralph Evans (prize-winner in the International Tchaikovsky Competition) and Efim Boico (former concertmaster of the Orchestre de Paris under Daniel Barenboim), have performed together for 40 years.