Why Prokofiev’s Quintet (1925) is so seldom performed (or recorded) is an absolute mystery. It bears all of Prokofiev’s compositional traits, especially his marshalling of motivic forces born of his love of ballet. His Overture on Hebrew Themes (1919) is more frequently encountered. Played here a full minute faster than the Borodin Trio’s version on Chandos, it seems much more inspired, more jubilant. The Southwest Chamber Music members perform here quite expertly, and the sound is even-tempered and balanced. Particularly meritorious is the way the brasses do not dominate. I’d recommend this for Prokofiev’s Quintet alone, but all the works are worth having. --American Record Guide