George Onslow’s natural melodic gift is enhanced here by the engagingly spontaneous playing of the Trio Portici and especially the nimble contribution of the pianist, Stéphane de May. But the others, Damien Pardoen (violin) and Luc Tooten (cello) play with equal style and spontaneity.

The Piano Trio may have the reputation of owing much to Beethoven but it is still very much Onslow’s own. It opens with a friendly theme, decorated by the piano, and proceeds with a wonderful freshness. Its dancing Minuet is as light as thistledown, and the jaunty Trio is captivating. Then follows an engaging set of variations on an ‘Air populaire des montagnes d’Auvergne’ which the composer knew so well. The finale romps away spontaneously (again the piano part is felicitous).

The Duo for piano and violin opens very gently and mysteriously with a serene Largo and then whirls off into a joyful Allegro vivace (again the ear can’t miss the piano’s fast quavers). The Minuet has a more solemn Trio but its mood is only briefly held. The Andante is another winning set of variations on ‘Au clair de la lune’ and the work closes happily with a moto perpetuo with a touch of fugato.

The Cello Sonata is rather more restrained, a real duet, opening in simple lyrical warmth, proceeding to a lovely, almost Schubertian Andante, and ending with a warmly peaceful Allegretto. Altogether an enchanting collection, beautifully recorded.