The original Borodin Quartet was founded in 1945 in the Soviet Union – this release celebrates the Quartet's 70th anniversary. They enjoyed a close relationship with Shostakovich, and often worked with him as a new quartet was written (and they also recorded the cycle).

Now, a new line-up, though still one that bears the characteristic Borodin sound (large, almost symphonic in scope and with a very distinctive way of phrasing), starts a new cycle with works from very different periods in Shostakovich's music life [No. 1 from 1938, the ever-popular No. 8 from 1960 and No. 14 from 1972 (begun in Aldeburgh when the composer was staying there with Benjamin Britten)].

This initial release features three key string quartets, including the most popular (No. 8), plus the Elegy and Polka (Adagio and Allegretto).