The Charis Ensemble presents three of Jean Françaix’s principal chamber works – his Octet, Divertissement and Clarinet Quintet – in a fresh new interpretation in which instrumental perfection and sophisticated wit form a spirited symbiosis.

The sound picture has been recorded very naturally with stereophonic clarity and chamber transparency and conveys a strong spatial impression. And one is surprised to read that Dabringhaus and Grimm produced the recording in Nordkirchen Castle, in 1987.

Even after twenty-five years in storage, this recording remains free of musical dust – which makes this re-release all the more valuable as a contribution to the current catalogue.

The Charis Ensemble “performs so perfectly that, if one does not like my music, I cannot make any sort of mitigating circumstances apply” - Jean Françaix

“Since a feel for French esprit is not lacking, and they follow the trail of the composer’s imaginative wealth with remarkable precision, listening is made pure and simple pleasure” - FonoForum