The Second Piano Quintet begins with gentle rippling piano arpeggios. The viola presents the lovely main theme echoed by the other strings. After a passionate climax the second theme, another beauty is ushered in by the strings and made fugal before the piano softly embellishes it. The music proceeds ecstatically on its way. This is an entrancing opening movement and Éric Le Sage’s gentle poetic way with the music enchants. The quartet’s sensibilities are no less sympathetic to Fauré’s delicate idiom. The little Allegro vivo second movement is a gem. The piano scampers capriciously before the strings restrain with a gorgeous tender romantic waltz. Koechlin saw the imploring, heartfelt music that is the Andante moderato as evoking ‘arms stretched out towards a past that is never to return’. I am unashamed to admit that tears stood in my eyes through this exquisite movement. The concluding Allegro molto is more assured, it moves implacably with less sentiment affording the players the chance to assert their flair.

Fauré’s idiom never fails to move and the music of this album is no exception. This has to be a candidate for my choice of the 2013 recordings. © MusicWeb International Read complete review