Borodin Quartet - Shostakovich: String Quartets No 1, 8 & 14 (2015)

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Borodin Quartet - Shostakovich: String Quartets No 1, 8 & 14 (2015)

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The original Borodin Quartet was founded in 1945 in the Soviet Union and this release marks the Quartet’s 70th anniversary. They enjoyed a close relationship with Shostakovich, and often worked with him as a new quartet was written (and they also recorded the cycle).

Now, a new line-up, though still one that bears the characteristic Borodin sound (large, almost symphonic in scope and with a very distinctive way of phrasing), starts a new cycle with works from very different periods in Shostakovich’s music life [No. 1 from 1938, the ever-popular No. 8 from 1960 and No. 14 from 1972 (begun in Aldeburgh when the composer was staying there with Benjamin Britten)]. This album features the three key quartets, including the most popular (No. 8).

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich
Orchestra/Ensemble: Borodin String Quartet

Reviews: 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.