Gabriel Fauré’s chamber works, long overshadowed by his popular Requiem (Naxos 8.550765), are regaining their rightful place, as the success of his Violin Sonatas (8.550906) and Cello Sonatas (8.557889) attests. Dubbed the ‘Master of Charm’ by Debussy, Fauré responded to the quasi-orchestral opportunities offered by the piano quintet with two gorgeous works whose frequent economy of means belies the wealth of his inventiveness, the subtlety of his burgeoning counterpoint and the sheer beauty of his melodic and harmonic inspiration. Debussy’s back-handed remark short-changes the value of a true master composer.