A most enjoyable CD, given superbly realistic sound—indeed, this is another case where the presence of the group is positively tangible, so real is the illusion and so well calculated the balance. Edward Greenfield, reviewing the original LP, commented on the ''virtuosity and refinement'' of the young COE players, and justly comparing this performance with the classic EMI Barenboim/ECO version on LP (perhaps the finest ever), noted that ''Schneider's rhythmic pointing at speeds generally a little more relaxed than Barenboim's, allows for more genial espressivo phrasing, where Barenboim in Allegros prefers a very crisp, lightly-sprung manner.'' But it is the responsive joy of the playing itself that gives especial pleasure in the fast and medium-fast movements, with the Minuets notably felicitous. Yet again I agree with EG that in the fifth Adagio movement Schneider's pacing is just a little too slow. Nevertheless, a most rewarding issue.'