Erno Dohnányi is the least celebrated of the seminal triumvirate of twentieth-century Hungarian composers. Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók have become household names, yet Dohnányi’s posthumous fame hangs upon an unrepresentative handful of compositions. This recording brings together three of his finest chamber works - the two masterful yet hugely contrasting Piano Quintets, and his remarkable essay in that most underutilized of instrumental genres, the string trio.

The Serenade in C for string trio falls within the direct lineage of models in the genre by Mozart and Beethoven, yet proves a decisive watershed for Dohnányi himself, fully articulating his nationally infused mature style for the first time. The Piano Quintets reflect an enduring and deep-rooted regard for both Brahms and Schumann, and even Mendelssohn.

Schubert Ensemble of London:
- William Howard, piano
- Mayumi Seiler, violin
- Douglas Paterson, viola
- Jane Salmon, cello
- Peter Buckoke, double bass

‘Fresh, vital and spirited performances’ - BBC Music Magazine

‘Soaring performances … a stunning recording … this disc is easily recommended’ - Fanfare, USA

‘This excellent group plays with calm confidence throughout and features some notably silvery violin tone. A delightful disc’ - Hi-Fi News

‘A clear three-star recommendation’ - The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

[from CDA66786]