The Borodin Quartet needs no introduction to chamber music fans. It is one of the longest-lasting quartets in the world (founded in 1945), and had a close connection to composer Dmitri Shostakovich.
Even now, two years after the death of long-serving cellist Valentin Berlinsky (who played with the quartet for its first 62 years), the quartet's signature sound is still recognizable.
And since the group is playing two of Shostakovich's most popular quartets (Nos. 7 and 8) in its Bay Area concerts, sponsored by Chamber Music San Francisco, this is the pick of the litter of this week's chamber performances.