Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Borodin Quartet

In a typically ambitious programme, Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra explored how four Czech composers responded to imprisonment, exile and renewal.

After somewhat tame Tchaikovsky, the combined forces of Barry Douglas and the Borodin String Quartet deliver a compelling Brahms Piano Quintet. 

How does an admirer of Shostakovich's symphonic works react to a performance of two of his string quartets? Well, if it's the Borodin Quartet that is playing, the experience will most definitely be a changing experience. 

The eminent Borodin Quartet brought a programme of Shostakovich and Beethoven with them to the Wigmore Hall – two composers they are very closely associated with. 

The Borodin Quartet seemed safely in their comfort zone with a selection of staple works from Shosatkovich and Beethoven. 

The five musicians on stage performed just like a well-oiled machine in Dvořák's Op. 81 Piano Quintet’s devilishly tricky coda.

The Borodin Quartet put on a showcase display of pure, rich tone and superbly unanimous playing at Sage Gateshead but their Shostakovich lacked bite.

The Borodin Quartet’s played two Shostakovich quartets, as well as Beethoven Op.131. From the very first notes onwards they captivated the audience with their elegant and well-balanced sound.

The Borodin String Quartet has been playing serious, heavyweight programmes since 1945, making it the quartet world’s most senior ensemble, and giving it a global reputation for high technical standards and musicianship.

Fondé en 1945, le Quatuor Borodine est l’un des plus vieux quatuors à cordes au monde. Certes, ses membres d’origine, parmi lesquels Mstislav Rostropovitch au violoncelle et Rudolf Barchaï à l’alto, ont depuis été remplacés par des collègues plus jeunes.