Shostakovich’s fifteen string quartets are collectively a major landmark of modern string quartet repertory, No 8 in particular being recognized as a powerful masterpiece. This album marks the start of the Carducci’s Shostakovich 15 project, for which they will be performing complete cycles of the Shostakovich quartets around the world to mark the 40th anniversary of the composer’s death.

Described by The Strad as presenting 'a masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose, in which severity could melt seamlessly into charm, and drama into geniality', the Carducci Quartet is recognized as one of today’s most successful string quartets.