This highly enjoyable performance is directed from the first-violin chair by Alexander Janiczek, who spins a fine, lithe line, with minimal vibrato, articulating the phrasing with deft bowing. His lead is followed by his string colleagues, while the two horn players - on natural, valveless instruments - shift neatly between subdued background and fanfaring foreground.

Here Mozart's sparkling textures receive an affectionate spring clean that works wonders in clarifying his genius for musical interplay. Oboist Robin Williams leads a delightful performance of the Quartet that radiates charm during the buoyant outer movements. A fine coupling that captures Mozart's inestimable skill and irrepressible charm.

These musicians inflect the extremes as they do the nooks and crannies in between...Robin Williams adds his own voice, his tone plangent yet subtly faceted, his phrasing shaped to reflect the feeling he puts into his playing. The slow movement, also in D minor, is most emotive. You're unlikely to regret buying this exquisite disc.

One of the best features about this performance is the attention to the exchanges between instruments...Robin Williams plays [the oboe part] very much in this spirit, also favouring rather quick tempos and light phrasing...Janiczek and the Scottish players treat [the Quartet] lightly, as entertainment music even if of the highest quality...An enjoyable, well-considered recording.