The venerable Borodin Quartet has something of an edge when it comes to performing the works of Shostakovich: the composer supervised its original players in the study and performance of each of his quartets, a unique insight that has been passed from generation to generation. On their 70th anniversary, today’s players have signed to Decca and will record all 15 quartets – a glorious prospect, judging by this first offering. The naivety of Quartet No 1 gives way to the autobiographical, despairing No 8, the Borodins reaching right down into the depths of its bitter universal torment before offering some relief with the whimsy and warmth of No 14. Prepare to be profoundly stirred.
