This version of the Mendelssohn Octet challenges the supremacy of the full-price Academy of St Martin's disc (Philips), since the playing has a delicious buoyancy of spirit and an abundance of charm. The Andante, in particular, has an affecting, wistful delicacy and there is total clarity in the fugato which launches a strongly-played finale. The 1972 recording lacks the Philips version's warmth, but it is clean and well balanced. Curiously, the 1959 sound in the Beethoven Septet seems sweeter and more natural, to complement a performance which I found an utter delight. Here is that old-fashioned, spontaneous yet relaxed Viennese style, with ample, beautifully-shaped phrasing and an engaging, slightly rustic quality in the clarinet tone which, alas, seems to have gone out of fashion. A more recent recording of the Septet by the New Vienna Octet is listed by Decca at full price (CD) 414 576-2DH, 5/86), but Roger Fiske gave it only a qualified welcome. I think the 'old' Vienna Octet win the day, and in fact I cannot recommend this generously-filled disc too highly.'