Ensemble Dialoghi perform K452 on period instruments, which provide a wonderful, juicy sound right from the opening E flat chord. The piano initially comes as a disappointment…Get past the slow introduction, however, and pianist Cristina Esclapez demonstrates that there’s plenty more grunt to the sound once the left hand travels down the keyboard. It all develops into a lovely performance of this lovable work.

Beethoven’s youthful quintet often languishes in the shadow of Mozart’s, but not in this ensemble’s outstanding performance. Hearing it second, my ear got used to the fortepiano’s dry clatter, but it is a problem when not heard by itself, establishing its own sound level.