This disc of Sergey Taneyev’s three string trios comes at a good time. Given the scarcity of Russian contributions to this traditionally most demanding of chamber media, there is all the more reason to investigate what Russia’s greatest master of counterpoint (according to Tchaikovsky and others well placed to comment) does with it.

Hyperion has wisely placed the finest of the three first. The E flat Trio (1910-11) is chronologically second, and apart from Taneyev’s usual craftsmanly values, there is a winning freedom of invention. The first movement has the confidence to go down inviting sidetracks, confident that there will be marvels to bring back. One of Taneyev’s trademark quick-witted scherzos follows – irresistibly charming – then a gorgeously warm-hearted slow movement, with plentiful florid yet never tasteless elaboration, and a jocund finale. Given that the lowest part of the E flat Trio was conceived and published for the tenor viola (tuned a fourth higher than the cello) there is some justification for Kate Gould’s occasional redistribution of the texture; though if anyone can dig out an example of the original instrument it would be fun to compare.

After this the unfinished B minor Trio (1913), partially reconstructed from sketches for its posthumous first publication, is a tougher nut, grainier in its texture and more heavily shadowed in its moods – a sober and impressive footnote to one of the great chamber music composing careers. The D major Trio (1879-80) is a perfectly respectable debut in the medium, checking every step of the way before boldly going where no major Russian composer had gone before.

It would be hard to over-praise the Leopold Trio’s performances. Agility and all-round aplomb? Check. Warmth and colour? Check. Structural and idiomatic awareness? Check. Fine recording quality and helpful annotation (Calum MacDonald) too; so no reason not to invest.