Trio No. 2 in D minor, Op. 34, for Piano, Violin and Cello
Variations concertantes sur une mélodie suisse, Op. 20
Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 45, for Piano, Flute and Cello
Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. 37, for Piano and Violin

Of all the prominent 19th century female composers (Cécile Chaminade, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, etc ...) the only one who always commands my full attention whenever I hear recordings of her music is French composer, teacher and pianist Louise Farrenc (1804-1875), née Jeanne-Louise Dumont. There's a thorough sense of structural integrity and formal development in every aspect of her writing. Pinpoint instrumental balance is always present, and a keen control over expressive dynamics moves the music forward.

The Linos Ensemble, whose recordings seem to endorse the music of lesser-known composers from Friedrich Kalkbrenner to Arnold Krug have, including this one, devoted three of their recordings to the chamber music of Louise Farrenc. Their recording of her Piano Quintets was awarded the German Record Critics' Prize, amongst many other accolades and commendations. Here, the assured lead by pianist Konstanze Eickhorst, propels the music forward and the ensemble as a whole capture, project and shed light on even the minor details of the score.

Louise Farrenc composed three symphonies, vocal and choral pieces, and many piano works for which she earned high praise from critics and fellow composers including Robert Schumann, but I believe her chamber music efforts best exemplify her seemingly natural command of musical form. Every note falls into place as if preordained, and nothing ever sounds contrived or affected for the sake of a beautiful melody. Well worth a listen.