As a pianist and cellist Georges Onslow had a particular affinity with chamber music, and his String Quartets are given an almost orchestral quality with their addition of the rich sonorities of a double bass. String Quintet No. 28, with an especially beautiful Adagio with more than a trace of the influence of Mendelssohn, combines Baroque poise with expressive Romantic writing, while String Quartet No. 29 is light-hearted and good-natured, with hints of Schubert in it's melancholy lyricism and unexpected key changes. In praising the Elan Quintet's first volume, a MusicWeb International reviewer declared, "I cannot fault their playing: their tonal quality is ravishing, their ensemble perfect." The combination of string quartet with double bass has opened up a richness of tone and distinct soundscape that the Elan Quintet has dedicated itself to exploring, celebrating works by renowned composers such as Schubert, Dvorak, and Cambini, working with contemporary artists in creating new works for quintet, and rediscovering neglected masterpieces by composers including Onslow and Bridge.

Tracklist:

String Quintet No. 28 In G Minor, Op. 72 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): I. Adagio Non Troppo - Allegro Moderato
String Quintet No. 28 In G Minor, Op. 72 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): II. Adagio, Molto Cantabile
String Quintet No. 28 In G Minor, Op. 72 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): III. Menuet
String Quintet No. 28 In G Minor, Op. 72 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): IV. Finale
String Quintet No. 29 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): I. Allegro Moderato
String Quintet No. 29 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): II. Larghetto Doloroso
String Quintet No. 29 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): III. Scherzo
String Quintet No. 29 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 (Version For String Quartet & Double Bass): IV. Finale. Vivace

UPC: 747313388776
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 12.7.18
Format: CD

Elan Quintet - String Quintets 3 (CD)