Franz Krommer specialized in music for wind instruments, of which the two Partitas, Op. 45, were always among his most popular works, exploiting the conventional wind band (or Harmonie) of flutes, oboes, horns and bassoons in pairs, plus trumpet on occasion. Even more striking—and not published till this century—is the third Partita here, with the two horns given virtuoso solo roles, a concerto in all but name. Vividly recorded, this Naxos issue offers masterly performances from the ensemble of leading London performers previously led by Barry Tuckwell.

The second Naxos disc is just as successful as its predecessor. The Budapest Wind Orchestra, led by their exuberant clarinettist Kálmán Berkes, are a first-rate ensemble, full of spirit and personality. They yield nothing in terms of artistic excellence or recording quality to any rivals.