In 1900 Romanian composer Georges Enescu completed his substantial Octet for Strings, arguably the greatest work in that genre outside of Mendelssohn's famous example. A few years later French composer Maurice Ravel created one of his more popular works, taking inspiration from the newly developed pedal harp designed by the Pleyel firm. Both works celebrate the lavish sounds of turn-of-the-century Europe: a style evolved from the excesses of Wagner to touch the intimate colors and nuance of the Impressionists.

Ravel | Introduction and Allegro for harp and chamber ensemble
Enescu | Octet for Strings in C Major, Op. 7