The string quartet was Dimitri Chostakovitch’s preferred form for self-expression. He frequently referred to his quartets as symphonic quartets (quartet-symphonies). The enormous emotional power which he gave this formation, the depth of contrast, the symphonic development and the transformation of musical ideas, all of this go into making his quartets into true symphonies for four instruments.

It is significant that the composer himself approved orchestral versions of some of his quartets, three of which are offered on this recording. The full breadth of the Russian force behind these works finds expression in the interpretation of the Chamber Orchestra KREMLIN under the direction of Misha Rachlevsky.