*BOCCHERINI. Quintet No. i in A major for piano and strings. Quintet No. 4 in D minor for piano and strings. Quintetto Chigiano.

Decca LXT2841 (12 in., 36s. 50.).

Boccherini, in all the works that the advocacy of the Italian Quartet and of the Chigi Quintet have allowed us to hear, maintains a high standard of invention. None of the compositions by this fluent, delicate, prolific composer formerly recorded is, however, quite as enchanting as the D minor Quartet on this new disc. Boccherini is revealed as even more consistently melodious, and more ornamental, than Haydn. The flow of ideas is unceasing; the shapeliness with which they are ordered delights us. This music seems to stem from the opera-house. The first movement comprehends a march very close to that of the third-act finale to Figaro. In the third movement the likeness looks historically forwards : the 'cello sings a melody to which Verdi enthusiasts will readily fit Ulrica's words : " Uscite, e lasciate ch'io scruti nel ver ! " All the same, whencesoever the inspiration may derive, the product is the purest chamber music ; and the ear. and mind are pleased as much by the perfect " placing " of the notes on the instruments as by the fresh ideas. The beautifully calculated first piano entry in the Largo cantabile is a striking example. The A major Quintet, again, is a gem ; and the Chigi Quintet play both pieces to perfection. In decorative music they seem unsurpassable. The sparkle of Sergio Lorenzi's piano, the lithe, trim line of Brengola's violin, Lino Filippini's firm, warm 'cello tone—all of these are captured by the Decca engineers in a flawless recording. A.P.