For their debut recording, the Flash Ensemble presents the largely undiscovered works of Hungarian composer Laszlo Lajtha (1892-1963), including the world premiere recording of String Trio No 2, Op 18, from 1932.

The complete string trios by Bartok’s favourite young Hungarian composer are remarkable for their breadth and depth of feeling, their virtuosic technical demands, and their unique textural landscapes – infused with both the folk elements of his native land and the Parisian atmosphere in which he thrived.

Lajtha’s musical voice was silenced by his political troubles in communist Hungary, but his wealth of original and touching chamber music certainly deserves to be discovered, heard, and celebrated by musicians and listeners alike.

After playing together for many years and in many formations, violinist Sadie Fields, violist Clement Holvoet, and cellist Romain Dhainaut decided to create the Flash Ensemble. Their first major project is delving into the complete string trios by Laszlo Lajtha, performing and recording these three works beginning in the 2022 season.