Robert Casadesus (1899-1972) wrote his four string quartets during numerous concert tours, which perhaps accounts for the more ‘exotic’ elements. All four are overwhelmingly modal; all rely less on functional harmony and more on sheer rhythmic propulsion. Some flirt with jazz and Latin elements; all exhibit a sophisticated understanding of the medium. The music of Ravel and Debussy is a strong presence – but so is that of the Viennese masters. In the accompanying DVD (which features interviews with the Manfred Quartet and a complete performance of the Allegretto from the Second Quartet), Bach is cited as a major influence and certainly he’s there in the often relentless semiquaver movement, dense textures and independence of parts.

Sometimes there’s a whiff of note-spinning à la Hindemith or Villa-Lobos (the latter being more positively evoked in the Allegro molto of the Third Quartet; some ideas bear fruit, others prove barren. But craftsmanship dictates that the work must go on. The failures are just as poignant as the successes. What’s not to be denied is a restless energy harnessed by a thoroughly urbane sensibility.

The Manfreds’ playing is both sympathetic and respectful, lacking neither conviction nor precision. This is very much a labour of love and an important release, not least because of the quality of both the music and the playing, but also because it further enriches our appreciation of the art of one of the 20th century’s most accomplished and exciting musicians.