LOUISE FARRENC (1804-1875): Piano Quintets No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 30 & No. 2 in E, Op. 31.

Description: Written in 1839 and 1840, these are among Farrenc's earlier chamber works and they helped establish her reputation as a composer. Following the examples of Schubert and Hummel by adding a double bass to the string trio, Farrenc gives the piano almost non-stop work in both quintets although it never overpowers the strings. She combines the elegance of Haydn and Hummel with the romantic lyricism of Weber and Spohr to produce fresh and frequently harmonically adventurous works which will please any collector of Classical or Romantic chamber music. First new recording in 12 years and first at budget-price. Quintetto Bottesini.