The American String Quartet, longtime quartet-in-residence at the Manhattan School of Music, has made relatively few recordings (and those mostly for small labels), and it's likely that most Bay Area chamber music lovers are unfamiliar with it. Those who have heard the ensemble, though, will remember the sinew in the sound, the acuity of the articulation, and especially the warmth and individuality of the group's inner players, second violinist Laurie Carney and violist Daniel Avshalomov. The quartet's Cal Performances visit — its first performance here for some years, I think — includes a rare performance of Alban Berg's Op. 3 Quartet, plus Dvorák's Op. 81 Piano Quintet with founding Beaux Arts Trio pianist Menahem Pressler.
