Aurora String Quartet - Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 3 (1994)

This final volume of the Mendelssohn String Quartet series contains two major works, along with two isolated late movements published after the composer's death. Mendelssohn's String Quartets aren't heard nearly as often as they deserve to be, and it's a pleasure making their acquaintance (or reacquaintance) in performances like these. The Aurora String Quartet is one of those contemporary string quartets that plays on a technical level unimagined a generation ago, with tight, precise ensemble work that is a pleasure to hear. But this precision doesn't get in the way of a gracious, outgoing response to Mendelssohn's music. Excellent recorded sound, and a major-league bargain. -- Leslie Gerber