(Borodin) “movement-by-movement comparison makes it clear that …the Borodins win hands down … their internal balance at every point is irreproachable (Gramophone) (Glazunov): “reconciliation between the traditions of Borodin and Tchaikovsky … Shostakovich Quartet have great feeling for this music and play with real conviction” (Penguin Guide); (Tchaikovsky): “their earlier recordings (as here) are unassailable recommendations. Look no further” (Penguin Guide); (Prokofiev): “an excellent performance, which at times even matches the abandon and attack of the Hollywoods. The Second a work of real quality which has the astringent flavouring and poetic flair that characterize Prokofiev at his best” (Gramophone) (Shostakovich): “(They)…bring a special intensity to this repertoire as well as effortless technical address, and a tonal blend which gives their readings a strong claim on the collector’s allegiance.” (©Penguin Guide 3 stars)
