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Editorial Reviews

While it does not include all Saint-Saëns' chamber music -- there are also pairs of violin sonatas and cello sonatas, pairs of piano trios and string quartets, plus a handful of other works -- this two-disc set by the Nash Ensemble includes most of the rest of the best. There's not a clinker in the bunch and even the earliest works have their delights. The early "Piano Quartet in A minor" may be somewhat emotionally superficial but it is brilliantly constructed, and the "Caprice sur des airs danois et russes for piano, flute, oboe, and bassoon" may be somewhat overlong but it is charmingly scored. The remaining works on the program are as fine as anything Saint-Saëns ever wrote. The "Tarentelle in A minor for flute, clarinet, and piano" is instantly memorable and thoroughly lovable. The mature "Septet for piano, trumpet, two violins, viola, cello, and bass" is infectiously melodic and completely exhilarating. The three final sonatas for oboe, for clarinet, and for bassoon are unendingly ingratiating and cornerstones of the repertoire for each instrument. As performed by the Nash Ensemble, all the works on these discs are as well-played and sympathetically interpreted as is conceivable and as recorded by Hyperion, the performances are as vivid and immediate as imaginable. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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