Mendelssohn’s two string quintets may not plumb the depths of Mozart’s and Brahms’ efforts in this genre, yet they deserve to be heard more often than they are. The musicians of L’Archibudelli make powerful and cogent cases for the music’s judicious proportions, sweet spirit, and impeccable craft. They enliven Mendelssohn’s canny rhythmic displacements with sharply drawn accents and favor brisk tempos that avoid all trace of glibness. Being a period ensemble, L’Archibudelli favors gaunt, wiry timbres and minimum vibrato that may to some ears contradict Mendelssohn’s congenial lyricism. Yet the group’s sonority imparts a tangy edge and sense of ferocity to the proceedings that wears well as you get to know the performances. The excellent annotations further tip the scales toward an unhesitant recommendation from yours truly.
