The Quartet for oboe, violin, cello and piano is a find, a highly attractive piece in the busy yet unfussy neo-classical style that Martinu made so much his own. Its opening theme is quite captivating and has haunted me for some days now, but all three movements have charm. It alone is well worth the modest price of the disc. The other music on this super-bargain CD is hardly less delightful. The Viola Sonata is an eloquent work from the mid-1950s, composed three years after the Rhapsody-Concerto for the same instrument and orchestra. These were vintage years in Martinu’s creativity and it surprises me that more players have not taken it up.
The String Quintet is the earliest work, dating from his Paris years, and shows the influence of Roussel. Although the first movement is perhaps not top-drawer Martinu, the slow movement is most imaginative. The performances are often touched with distinction and are never less than eminently serviceable. Daniel Adni could perhaps be a little more supple in the Piano Quartet of 1942 though in general he plays with spirit. None of these pieces is listed in the catalogue at any price range with the sole exception of the wartime Piano Quartet, which Domus have recorded (coupled with the Suk Piano Quartet and Dvorak’s Bagatelles). There is plenty of air round the players and the recording is lifelike and well balanced.'