The Takács Quartet has been around for 40 years, a remarkable length of time for any ensemble. In this new Hyperion CD, they are joined by Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin in a superb performance of the Shostakovich Piano Quintet. As everyone knows by now, Hamelin can play anything and seems to know the entire piano repertoire. He is especially intense here, working his magic on an excellent Steinway. In the composer’s String Quartet No 2 as well, the Takács is in top form.

Musical Toronto, Canada