Black Oak Ensemble, the Chicago-based string trio, performs rarely heard works for violin, viola, and cello written between the World Wars on Avant L’orage: French String Trios 1926–1939. A double-album priced as a single disc, it includes world-premiere recordings of Henri Tomasi’s 'Trio à cordes en forme de divertissement', Robert Casadesus’s 'Trio à cordes' and Gustave Samazeuilh’s 'Suite en trio pour violon, alto et violoncelle'...

Avant L'orage: French Strings Trios 1926-1939 presents a number of impressive works that give a snapshot of the classical scene in France during an interesting time period. Black Oak Ensemble's performance is noteworthy as they effortlessly breeze through these pieces with the gusto of a first performance, but with the polish of performers who have an intimate knowledge of the works. The end result is a captivating collection of pieces that stay with you long after the album has finished.

Additional works include Jean Cras’s 'Trio pour violon, alto et violoncelle'; Émile Goué’s 'Trio pour violon, alto et violoncelle'; Jean Françaix’s 'Trio', and Gabriel Pierné’s 'Trio pieces en trio'.

It's a lovingly crafted release of some rare yet important pieces. Thank goodness Black Oak Ensemble has brought these engaging works to life.

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Darren Rea