Anyone who thinks that period-instrument performance means austerity and coolness should listen to this disc. Here's playing full of expressive warmth and vigour. The opening of Op 77 No 1 is done duly gracefully, but with a sturdy underlying rhythm and the Scherzo is crisp and alive. Then the first movement of the F major work is beautifully done, with many sensitive details; and the lovely second movement is ideally leisurely, so that the players have ample room for manoeuvre and the leader makes much of his opportunities for delicate playing in the filigree-like high music. The players show a real grasp of structure and illuminate the key moments with a touch more deliberation or a little additional weight of tone. These performances, clearly recorded, are competitive not merely within the protected world of 'early music' but in the bigger, 'real' world too!

all the glory of this music shines at the most unexpected moments as Haydn would have wanted, and the apogee of the moment comes and goes without the slightest hint of interference from the players, simply emphasised with grace and understatement, and clarity and purpose. For me, what they provide there is one of the greatest moments in chamber music, played as to create a split second of perfect musical storm.