Lucky the reader yet to make the acquaintance of Frank Bridge’s glorious Second Quartet! Written in 1915 and winner of that year’s Cobbett Prize, it is arguably his first true chamber masterwork, superbly realised on every level (the finale is a tour de force of motivic integration) and full of the most engagingly fresh invention and invigorating part-writing. The last of Bridge’s four quartets (completed in 1937) represents more of a challenge, but strong emotions stir beneath its uncompromising surface. Once again, the finale proves a fitting summation, and Bridge’s technical command of the medium is absolute. Leaner and more ‘classically’ compact than its towering predecessor from 1926, this searching score will afford plentiful long-term rewards to the patient listener.

The Brindisi Quartet’s coupling has served us handsomely over the past dozen years but must now, I feel, yield to this Naxos release. These are exemplary, scrupulously prepared readings from the Magginis, who play with unquenchable fire, keen intelligence and immaculate polish throughout. Joined by the admirable Martin Roscoe, they also offer a considerable bonus in the shape of the lovely Phantasy Piano Quartet of 1909-10. Another very fine, uncommonly articulate performance, too, preferable to the Dartington Trio’s 1987 version with violist Patrick Ireland at this same price level, if without quite the recreative wonder of Benjamin Britten’s very special 1967 Aldeburgh account with members of the Amadeus Quartet.

With vividly realistic, beautifully balanced sound from the experienced Walton/ Thomason production-team and succinct annotation by Andrew Burn, this is an unmissable disc.