Casals Quartet: Shostakovich Complete String Quartets vol 3

The Strad Issue: March 2026

Description: 

A lean and sinewy finish to a compelling quartet cycle

Musicians: Casals Quartet

Works: Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets vol 3: nos.13–15

Catalogue number: HARMONIA MUNDI HMM902735

These three late quartets epitomise Shostakovich’s struggles: oppressed and frightened, tormented and sad, with a bleakness that is wrapped in a frayed grey ribbon. For example, the chilling sound of tapping on wood in the doppio movimento of the Thirteenth could reflect death or perhaps the Soviet secret police knocking at the door.

In contrast, the Quartet no.14 is infused with strands of brightness, and where the mood lightens, it is generally the cellist of the Casals who leads the musical argument with a folk-like motif. But the remaining two quartets are irredeemably bleak – their austere invention pared back to the bone.

Contrapuntally, Shostakovich nods to organum, the cool 2nds, 4ths, 5ths and 7ths lending no optimism – a sense of desolation that is impeccably delivered.

In its previous Shostakovich recordings, the Casals Quartet opted for a lean sound, which gave impressive lucidity to the narrative. Here, however, I prefer the Borodin Quartet’s richer hues and occasional wider vibrato, which offer respite within the numbness.

There are moments within the six slow movements of the final quartet where, rather like a fleeting pleasant memory, the tone shifts, allowing in shards of light, which the Casals captures with empathy.

Technically flawless, and observing the letter of the score, this is a worthy contribution to the group’s final instalment of these milestone works.

JOANNE TALBOT