Streichquartett in Es-Dur, Ben 352, 1788, fur Violine, 2 Bratschen und Violoncello
Strechsextett in F-Dur, Ben 261, 1791 fur 2 Violinene, 2 Bratschen, Violoncello und Kontrabas
Streichquntett in g-Moll, Ben 287 fur 2 Violinen, 2 Bratschen und Violoncello

Great works of chamber music by a master of melodies, performed by internationally renowned musicians – all the elements are in place for a feast of surprises on this recording. First up is a string quartet for violin, two violas and violoncello. Pleyel’s String Sextet, a work that holds up well against other sextets from that time, was first recognized in the Hoffmeister edition published on 14 May 1791. Pleyel’s four-movement Quintet in G minor with its surprisingly short and slow introduction could be described as “a prodigious and prescient romantic reconception.” In this work, Pleyel did not comply with the dictate of fashion – instead of writing for the music market, he wrote for an audience of connoisseurs, availing himself of “the science of composition.” As the musicologist and composer Vogler put it, “he can when he wants to.” In all likelihood, the String Quintet has never been publicly performed and is therefore one of his (and not only his) most interesting string quintets.