Ralph Evans & Fine Arts Quartet - Enescu: Early Chamber Music (2023)

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.

Tracklist
01. Piano Quintet in D Major: I. Allegro moderato
02. Piano Quintet in D Major: II. Scherzo vivace
03. Piano Quintet in D Major: III. Andante
04. Piano Quintet in D Major: IV. Allegro con spirito
05. Prélude et Gavotte: Prélude
06. Prélude et Gavotte: Gavotte
07. Aubade in C Major
08. Pastorale, Menuet triste et Nocturne: Pastorale
09. Pastorale, Menuet triste et Nocturne: Menuet triste
10. Pastorale, Menuet triste et Nocturne: Nocturne
11. 2 Romanian Rhapsodies, Op. 11 (Arr. for Piano and String Quintet by Jacques Enoch): No. 1 in A Major