'Det kræver sin pianist at holde sammen på dette sprængfarlige musikalske univers, og det evner den unge russer Andrey Gugnin, der er eksponent for den frodige og dybt kompetente musikkultur, der i dag præger Rusland, hvor eliteuddannelser også inden for musikkens områ-de er prioriteret. Andrey Gugnin er en virtuos i klassisk forstand, og her hos Sjostakovitj evner han at blive ét med musikkenbåde, når den er mest storladen og udadvendt, og når den blot er en spinkel syngende stemme,der beretter om det skrøbelige menneskes inderste tanker.' (Klassisk, Denmark)

‘I suspect that this performance and that of the Piano Quartet will wear well, and I'm able to recommend them to the ever-expanding legion of Shostakovich devotees who may not have followed the St Petersburg survey of string quartets’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘With a superb recording to boot, this release provides an extremely fitting conclusion to the St Petersburg's excellent Shostakovich cycle’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Igor Uryash is exemplary, striking the right balance between the demands of soloist and chamber player … Hyperion's recording is beautifully balanced and crystal clear. A very fine achievement all round’ (Gramophone)

‘Russian players have an unanswerable trump card when interpreting Russian music: self-evidently, they know what it's all about. Besides that, the exceptional quality of these musicians makes this a recording to treasure’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘One of the finest in a fine series’ (The Inverness Courier)

‘The St Petersburg Quartet consistently score in terms of idiomatic colour and gesture’ (International Record Review)

‘Boldly played and recorded … many moments of quiet beauty and acidic intensity’ (Gramophone)

‘The recording is produced to the usual, exceptional Hyperion standards but the playing is something else again. This group obviously has this music in its collective soul and it shows … a superb achievement that makes me want to hear the rest of the cycle as a priority’ (MusicWeb International)

‘These are thoughtful and articulate performances … they will substantially increase your appreciation of Shostakovich's craftsmanship’ (International Record Review)

‘The St Petersburg Quartet employs the widest possible range of colour and articulation in its performances’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Stunningly characterised’ (The Strad)