The second of Lennox Berkeley's three string quartets dates from 1940… The Chilingirians, whose crisp ensemble and tonal richness is ideal for this music, play it with charm and energy. The two Michael Berkeley works… both express a dark intensity all their own... Again the Chilingirians... have the measure of the music, coping convincingly with Berkeley's dynamic contrasts, dramatic gestures and rhythmical complexities.

We have waited 65 years for a recording of Lennox Berkeley's Second String Quartet so it's particularly welcome in this admirable Chandos series. Michael Berkeley's two works from the past decade complement the classical calm of his father's quartet with something far more intense. These well recorded performances are a fine demonstration of the Chilingirians' exceptional panache and show total sympathy throughout.