Hagen Quartett - Shostakovich: String Quartets Nos.4, 11 & 14 (1999)

Having had the privilege of seeing the Hagen's perform Shostakovich's 3 rd Qrt back in the 1999 ( i think it was) at the Wigmore hall - the Hagen's have been one of the younger generation of Quartets that ranked amnong the finest exponents of DSCH's complex , searing music.
This late 90's original DG release gets the full 5 star treatment from myself ( a rarity) for its emotional,technical + empathetic performances here. recording qulaity is excellent - as are the booklet notes.
The hauntingly beautiful 4th Qrt starts the cd off in very fine style with deeply searching, commited playing. the later turbulent 11th + ambivalent 14th Quartet similarly recieve playing bt the Hagens to match the Borodin's (emi), Fitzwilliam's (decca) + Eder Qurts fine cycle on naxos (yes really) for deep understanding of the composers finely nuanced, emotionally complex searching music. the Penguin guide also rated this cd highly at the time. this recording has recently been re-released by budget dutch label Newtown Classics, but with bland cd cover + good though abridged booklet notes.
This recording is strongly recommended.