Beethoven: Septet in E Flat

Melos Ensemble of London; Oiseau-Lyre 60015 (stereo) and 50185

It pains me in a way to say this about my friends in the Vienna Octet, but here they lose every round to an assortment of Britishers — schrecklich Gedanke! I never have heard of the Melos Ensemble before, but this is the best, sweetest, liveliest Beethoven Septet on records. It bounces; the horn hoots beautifully; the strings lilt and snore; and the youthful Beethoven in his best bottlegreen suit is practically in your living room. The sound, especially in stereo, is beyond criticism.