String Quartets (Complete)
Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet
Taneyev Quartet
late 60s and 70s Difficult to find.Gil's top choice. They do a 'wonderful job of capturing the character of these works.' There's a certain 'reserve' to their interpretations that works wonderfully, creating a chilling effect.
Borodin Quartet
1960sReally famous versions. Very dramatic and soulful, they 'have the character down.' Gil finds slightly more intensity in these late 60s recordings than their later ones.
Fitzwilliam Quartet
1970s Wonderful sound.If you want to hear these quartets played and recorded beautifully, you want this. Very communicative and beautifully played with wonderful technical skill.
Beethoven Quartet
mid-50s to mid-70sThe quartet that knew Shostakovich the best and premiered most of the works. They have this 'really earthy Russian rhythm' and character. A reference version.