Ensemble Explorations – Dvorak: Piano Quintet op. 81, Bagatelles op. 47 (2007)

While not altogether uncommon, a coupling of Dvorák's Piano Quintet, Op. 81, with his Bagatelles, Op. 47, is still rare enough to make the prospect of this Harmonia Mundi release with Roel Dieltiens' Ensemble Explorations interesting. Listening to it, however, elevates it to fascinating. The immense power and passion -- not to mention the strong tone, tight ensemble, and in-the-pocket tempos -- of Dieltiens' group plus pianist Frank Braley make a compelling case for the quintet. This case has, of course, been argued many times before by such superlative combinations as Richter and the Borodin Quartet and Curzon and the Vienna Philharmonic Quartet -- but Dieltiens' conviction and Braley and the Ensemble Explorations' dedication make just as convincing a case and anyone who loves the quintet -- and that should include anyone who enjoys nineteenth century chamber music -- will love this recording.
Just as fascinating in its own way is the coupling of Dvorák's Bagatelles. Scored for the unique ensemble of two violins, cello, and harmonium (a mid-nineteenth century reed organ), the five Bagatelles are short -- the longest lasts 4 minutes and most last less than 3 -- sweet -- the melodies are instantly memorable, the rhythms are insistently infectious -- and intimate -- not just the tone of the harmonium, but the entire conception and execution of the music is aimed directly at home performance among friends and family. In these sincerely sentimental performances, the Ensemble Explorations with Braley now at the harmonium makes as compelling a case for the Bagatelles as for the quintet. Recorded in close, clear, and warm sound by Harmonia Mundi, this disc is as impressive as Dieltiens' Ensemble Explorations previous recordings of Mendelssohn and Boccherini.