String Quintets Vol. 3

"The players of the Quintett Momento Musicale in these Onslow scores display the ability to make even the simplest phrase sound expressive and they produce the most beautiful tonal shading. The German ensemble have an impressive sense of line; balancing the phrasing and points of emphasis to project the composer's expansive designs to great effect. In the feverish second movement Dolore of Op. 38 I was particularly impressed with their playing of the strong and sudden contrasts between fortissimo and pianissimo that follow each other in breathless succession. The Ensemble Momento Musicale is impressive for their warm tone and careful sense of blend and balance to bring out the full-toned beauty of their playing. I loved their expressive and lyrical playing in the Andante of Op. 67 where the melancholic undertones that pervade the movement are highly convincing. This is impeccable playing from the Leipzig-based quintet with an especially beautifully blended timbre.

The recorded sound from the MDG engineers is of a decent enough quality and the liner notes are helpful. Onslow's music is well worth exploring and in performances such as these will provide considerable rewards."
(MusicWeb July 2006)