Maggini Quartet - Britten: String Quartets, Vol. 2 (1999) CD-Rip

The Third String Quartet is one of Britten's last works before his untimely death and shows that the composer was still at the height of his powers. The music, inspired by the beauty of Venice, begins tentatively with a delicately wistful opening which contrasts with the passionate outburst that follows it. It is tempting to wonder if Britten had intimations of mortality when he wrote this work.
The performance by the Maggini Quartet is faultless and the quality of the recording proves that Naxos may be a budget label, but they are capable of providing full price standards. Highly recommended.