Although Reynaldo Hahn’s 1921 Piano Quintet was popular in its day, it somehow fell between the cracks and remained largely unknown for decades. Just why this is so remains a mystery, for the music abounds in effortless melodic invention, clear and easy to grasp forms, delightful harmonic twists and just enough counterpoint to keep textures fresh and diversified. There’ve been a handful of recordings since the 1999 pioneering edition from Alexandre Tharaud and the Parisii Quartet, including this latest contender from Chandos. While each movement times out longer here than in the Tharaud/Parisii version, it’s not so much a matter of tempo as the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective members’ more rounded and mellifluous blend. Compare their genial inflections and phrase taperings in the charmingly graceful finale to the relatively forthright Tharaud/Parisii interpretation and you’ll hear what I mean.
It might be too much of a cliché to call the G Major Piano Quartet “autumnal,” yet a certain darkness looms over the music’s debt to Fauré, especially in the muted sensuality characterizing the third movement Andante – a gently epic barcarolle. Here the musicians aim for greater leanness and transparency, most tellingly so in the Allegro finale’s ensemble interplay and clear-cut timbral contrasts. Six songs flesh out this collection. Four of them feature Hahn’s original piano accompaniments arranged by the ensemble’s pianist Tom Poster for string quartet, while L’Énamourée and La Barcheta are scored for piano quintet. Karim Sulayman’s light tenor voice channels the dry intimacy and subtle colorations of Hahn’s own vocalism, with La Barcheta’s long sustained phrases veering into countertenor territory. The booklet contains detailed annotations, plus full texts and translations for the songs. Recommended.
