Praised by Gramophone for the “deep feeling” of its playing on Volume 1 (8570001) the New Zealand String Quartet here completes its recording of all the Mendelssohn Quartets.

The composer’s first essay in the form, a strikingly accomplished work by a fourteen year- old, is presented alongside his personal favourite, the D major, Op. 44, No. 1.

This last of the three Op. 44 Quartets to be written is notable for its suave Minuet and a particularly expressive Andante. In the Op. 81 Theme and Variations and Scherzo from the last year of his life melancholy and magic meet in typical Mendelssohnian manner.