The subtly programme disc offers four string textures, trio to sextet, from three distinct periods of Boccherini's composing career. The best, and latest, comes first - one of the 47 two-cello quintets written for Frederick William of Prussia, himself a fine amateur cellist. Recorded sound is close, lending immediacy though, in the most forceful moments. It also generates some razor-edged tone from first violin.

All four works are attractive and the playing is superb, making the disc worth investigating.

Boccherini is one of those smaller classical composers who could be called, following George W. Bush, unfairly misunderestimated. Proof comes in the opening adagio track of his 91st string quintet: music of deep feeling, not cream-puff pirouettes. No other piece in this chamber collection quite beats that work for imaginative fire, but the composer's elegant melodies and sparkling rhythms always provide great pleasure