The Spanish Cuarteto Casals takes you on a journey through Shostakovich’s early explorations in the string quartet genre. His first three quartets reflect his search for his own voice, offering an intimate glimpse into his life and state of mind. You can hear his doubts, his humor, his fears, and his resilience—everything that occupied him as both a man and an artist during a time of profound personal and political uncertainty.

Shostakovich originally titled his First String Quartet (1938) Spring. Written shortly after the birth of his son, the music radiates a sense of wonder and playful discovery. The Second String Quartet (1944) is a dazzling display of virtuosity, an emotional rollercoaster full of intensity. From the very first note of the Third String Quartet (1946), the composer’s unmistakable voice emerges—grand and overwhelming. What begins as a lighthearted, almost playful piece soon unfolds into a deeply moving musical narrative. A relentless war scherzo and a profoundly melancholic slow movement lead to an ending that is both poignant and almost otherworldly.