Comp STR QRTS by Dmitri Shostakovich - Classical Music Quartet Collection for Relaxation & Study | Perfect for Home Listening, Dinner Parties & Music Enthusiasts

This is the definitive version of the complete quartets at present, IMHO. The sound is stellar throughout and the playing is about as committed and idiomatic as any I've heard. My only minor quibble is with the label, Cedille, who have provided such wonderful recording and art but have skimped on materials such as inserts and jewel cases. I received the 8-disc box set with literally every one of the cheap double-CD jewel cases broken, and the inserts torn or wrinkled. Perhaps this was done to keep the cost of the box set down (and in fact it is a bargain), but this was a disappointment in an otherwise great series of recordings. The bonus quartets by contemporary Russian composers are a welcome addition and raise the stakes even higher. I decided to purchase this after having heard the Pacifica Quartet in a performance of the Third Quartet which moved me so much I went straight home to buy the complete recordings. No regrets here!