French string quartets tend to come in ones; think of those by Ravel and Debussy (both early works), Magnard, Roussel, Dutilleux. One would imagine, then, that a set of six would be especially welcome but, for reasons I cannot fathom, those by Joseph-Guy Ropartz remain neglected. The present disc (the second in a set of three) contains this composer’s final three, all written in his later, simplified manner and are models of poise and Gallic – or should I say Breton – finesse. If not quite top-drawer, these three are unembarrassed by comparisons with the better known singles of his peers and would grace any recital programme.

It is astonishing to read in the booklet that the delightful Fourth Quartet (1933-34, available on a separate Timpani CD again from the Stanislas Quartet) was played so little that even Ropartz himself forgot it! The slightest in duration of the three here, No 4 has a warmth and vitality that are of immediate appeal. The second Allegro’s folklike tune seems to evoke The Keel Row, surely intentionally, while the Quasi lento third movement is quietly beautiful.

The Fifth Quartet, Quasi una fantasia (1939‑40), has similar melodic and rhythmic charm but eschews No 4’s traditional four-movement format for an arch-like five-movement pattern (with a vibrant central Vivacissimo) played without a break. The outwardly conventional Sixth is the largest in design and not without profundity. The Stanislas Quartet play with superb commitment and their occasional intonational infelicities (caused doubtless by enthusiasm) do not mar a delightful disc, nicely recorded.