Ignaz Pleyel’s numerous chamber compositions include a set of three quintets for the infrequently encountered ensemble of flute, oboe, violin, viola and cello/bass. First published in 1788 as the composer’s Op. 18, the quintets were quickly taken up by various publishers throughout Europe. Today, they are all but forgotten.

As one might expect of music by Pleyel, the Op. 18 quintets are imbued with appealing melodies and pleasing harmonies.

They are also surprisingly inventive in terms of...