Hyperion Records’ recordings from the mid-1980s onwards of the music of Robert Simpson (1921 97) did much to preserve his compositional legacy: all 15 numbered string quartets, the 11 symphonies, complete piano music and assorted chamber items from duo sonatas to quintets, revealing a creative artist of utmost technical and expressive resource. These recordings now have a new lease of life through their recent dissemination on streaming services.

But while Hyperion’s series took in so much of Simpson’s output, it did not cover everything, and the Robert Simpson Society is now sponsoring two new albums from Toccata Classics to fill in the gaps. The first is a fascinating collection, opening with the Tippett Quartet’s engaging rendition of the unnumbered D major String Quartet of 1945, originally and prosaically titled ‘Exercise’, from his student days at Durham University. It is a remarkably accomplished work, a good deal more relaxed than a typical Simpson quartet, written before he discovered Nielsen. Two songs from the 1940s follow, from a composer notoriously averse to word-setting, beautifully sung here by Eva-Maria Hartmann accompanied by Cornelis Witthoefft.

Two fully mature works complete the programme, the concentrated Clarinet Trio (1967 – not to be confused with the Piano Trio of 20 years later; 7/95), and the uniquely scored, deeply atmospheric Quintet for clarinet and bass clarinet in its original form with three double basses (1981). The latter’s 1983 arrangement with string trio was recorded by Hyperion (7/93) but I much prefer the original, opening with the three basses playing above Peter Cigleris’s lithe clarinet. A curiosity, yes, but in this scintillating account one that revels in its unconventionality.

The strongest work without a doubt, however, is the Trio, also boasting some fascinating sonorities, given a taut performance by a dream team of Emma Johnson, Raphael Wallfisch and John Lenehan; why did Hyperion omit this cracking work? Volume 2 will hopefully contain the wonderful Two-Piano Sonata, the Brass Quintet – and who knows what other wonders? Terrific performances and fine sound, despite multiple sessions and locations. Recommended.