The acclaimed Borodin String Quartet’s second recording for Onyx. Borodin’s remarkable 1st quartet with its references to Beethoven’s op131 is coupled with Stravinsky’s wonderfully concise Concertino of 1920 and Myaskovsky’s epic 13th quartet.

The Borodin Quartet has been at the very centre of the chamber music world for over 60 years, and has seen several changes in personel during this period. This new Onyx recording is the first to feature the new cellist Vladimir Balshin who replaced Valentin Berlinsky recently.

The Times

10th April 2010

****

“With a new cellist in place, the ensemble continue to play with a romantic warmth that has made them pre-eminent among string quartets...[the Miaskovsky is] music of substance, packed with activity and colour, and the Borodins do it full justice.”

The Independent

23rd April 2010

***

“the standout piece here is Borodin's String Quartet No 1...the scherzo, with its blend of agitated, feathery bow-work and stalking pizzicato, is especially impressive.”