Julius Röntgen’s not-entirely undeserved reputation for composing too much may lead unwary listeners to pass by this third instalment of his 16 string trios, but that would mean missing out on a real treat. Just as with the two previous volumes – covering Nos 1-8 in chronological sequence of composition (2/14, 11/14) – Röntgen’s inexhaustible fecundity of melody, musical charm and compositional craftsmanship combine in the most delightful manner. The performances are delivered with impeccable musicianship by the wonderful Lendvai Trio, who seem to be going from strength to strength and clearly relish and enjoy these splendid minor masterpieces.

And let’s not make any bones about their stature: the trios were never designed to be public statements but were written for the composer to play with his string-playing sons from his second marriage, Trios Nos 9 and 10 in March-July 1923 and Nos 11 and 12 in just 10 days in 1925 – a speed to rival even Hindemith! They cover, nonetheless, a wide range of expression and mood, from the pastoral, dance-like joy throughout No 12 to dramatic rhetorical gestures in No 9’s finale and the opening spans of Nos 10 and 11.

This a series to relish and I am looking forward eagerly to Vol 4. In the Lendvai’s hands, these recordings are every bit as exciting as the Nightingale Quartet’s justly celebrated Dacapo issues of Langgaard’s quartets, although the musical means and demeanour are hugely different. This is a project that consistently delivers on the highest level and I heartily recommend it to all.