These three performances by the Melos Ensemble have assumed something of a classic status. The sound is remarkably good and clear, and the collection makes an attractive reissue.
Berwald’s Septet (originally with Nielsen’s Wind Quintet) was the first version to appear in this country, except on special order, and reviewing it warmly at the time RL quoted the approval of Berwald’s pianist granddaughter for this performance. The version of Spohr’s Double Quartet was originally coupled to Mendelssohn’s Octet, clearly played here to make as much as possible of the composer’s intention to write a piece that was indeed a double quartet rather than an octet.
Gervase de Peyer’s performance of Weber’s Quintet is as good as any on record today, lively, quick-witted, sensitive to detail, and setting off a cascade of sparks in the closing pages of the dashing rondo.'