Wind Quintets - Francaix, Hindemith, Ibert & Taffanel

Syrinx Quintet

It was a double whammy when MDG presented 20th century wind quintets with the Syrinx Quintet on vinyl in 1978. The reviewers were overflowing with hymn-like eulogies and praised both the wind ensemble the reviewers were overflowing with hymn-like eulogies and praised both the wind ensemble, which was hardly known until then, and the record label, which had just been launched, to audiophile chamber music heaven - reason enough for a revival in MDG's Preziosa series.

Jean Francaix (1912-1997), Paul Hindemith (1895-1963), Jacques Ibert (1890-1962), Paul Taffanel (1844-1908)

Françaix: Wind Quintet No. 1
Hindemith: Kleine Kammermusik for wind quintet, Op. 24 No. 2
Ibert: Pièces brèves (3) for wind quintet
Taffanel: Wind Quintet

Classical Music Sentinel

Here, the Syrinx Quintet players tight yet highly flexible pinpoint accuracy, fluid dynamics, and most remarkably their ability to sound like a single unit, certainly injects life within the music.