Ignaz Pleyel, a pupil of Haydn, was arguably the most popular composer in Europe during the early years of the 19th century with his works published, republished and pirated across the continent. The String Trios and Duos illustrate the subtlety of his motivic links between themes and a rich variety of contrasts as well as unexpected excursions that surprise and entertain. Pleyel also liberates the cello from its previously functional basso role, and employs subtle chromatic inflections, revealing compositional mastery and freshness of invention. The Pettman Ensembles recording of Pleyels String Quintets can be heard on Naxos 8.574492.