I’ve just fallen in love again. It could easily be with the four lovely young ladies of the Pavao String Quartet and pianist Alison Farr. But no, I’ve curtailed my passions here in favour of Percy Whitlock’s Piano Quintet.

From the opening piano flourish there follows a hymn-like melody imbued with folk elements in which the instrumental balance showed masterful sensitivity. The Scherzo could readily be associated with Grainger, its Irish folk-dance style presented with cheery impetus.

The Romance evoked scenes of candle-lit romantic evenings with a song-like viola taking the lead. Lyrical wit with hints of Elgarian nobility brought a refreshing sparkle to a work, the neglect of which beggars belief.

Brahms’ Piano Quintet opus 34 showed the mettle of the Pavao players, Kerenza Peacock and Jenny Sachs, violins, Natalia Gomes, viola and Bryony James, cello, joined by Farr in one of the most exciting edge-of-seat chamber performances it has been my pleasure to hear.

Their rhythmic drive and finely tuned harmonies brought ever increasing delight and appreciation of their innate musicianship.

The glow of enjoyment was evident from the first with the Pavao Quartet performing Haydn’s opus 54 No.1. Their playing embraced the composer’s wonderful freedom of expression and wit with beguiling assurance.