Like its predecessor of 1940, Bliss’s Second Quartet (composed a decade later as a 20th-birthday gift to the Griller Quartet) is an enormously rewarding work, its progress purposeful and vital, and consummately laid out for the medium. It receives an absorbed and absorbing reading from the Magginis, who find a hush and concentration in the Sostenuto slow movement missing from the Delmé Quartet (Hyperion, 11/89 – nla). Otherwise, there’s little to choose between the two, save for a crucial bit more composure and cogency from these poised newcomers.

In the Clarinet Quintet (written in 1932 for the clarinettist Frederick Thurston) the Magginis are joined by David Campbell for a mellifluous and intelligent account that must be deemed a worthy modern counterpart to Thurston’s world première recording with the Griller Quartet. Listeners new to the work should sample the songful dialogue of the nostalgic opening movement and the bite these artists bring to the dashing finale: make no mistake, this is exceptional chamber playing.

With its authoritative booklet-essay by Andrew Burn and intimate, judiciously blended recorded sound, this laudable release deserves the widest currency.