The best known of Shostakovich's string quartets. The work's popularity is due to its tremendous passion, allegedly triggered by his impressions of Dresden, the city which had been bombed so severely. One of the masterpieces of the 20th century. Was it written 'In memory of victims of fascism and war', or is it Shostakovich's autobiography?
Outstanding: BBC Music Magazine, Klassik-heute.
Contains movements 3-5 attacca (gapless).