The very last of well over one hundred string quintets written by the prolific virtuoso cellist Luigi Boccherini, this charming work is characteristically refined and elegant. Dublin born Charles Villiers Stanford was a significant figure in musical life in the late 19th and early 20th century, influential as composer, teacher and conductor. His cheerful and uplifting F major string quintet was recorded by the Vanbrugh Quartet and Garth Knox in 2004 and features a lovely central slow movement inspired by sean-nós singing. Dvořák’s A major string sextet is truly one of the treasures and great joys of all chamber music. Its gentle optimism offers a precious contrast to the difficulties and complexities of our modern world.
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