Hexagon - Poulenc, Saint-Saëns & Others: Chamber Music (2000)

Hexagon's go-for-broke performance of the title track of this disc, Jean Francaix's Les petits nerveux, sets the tone for a terrific hour of music by some of France's finest composers. Hexagon was a winner of "The Young Concert Artists' International Competition" and here the group plays with wit, panache and a virtuosity that places them in the front ranks of chamber ensembles performing today. Included on this program are two Poulenc favorites, the early Trio, and the masterful 1939 Sextet, as well as works by Roussel and Saint-Saens. Of particular note is a red-hot performance of Saint-Saens' delicious Tarantella. The New York Times called Hexagon "six exceptionally talented musicians" and as evidenced by this recording, that is certainly no exaggeration.