Though seemingly incongruous, a common thread runs through the compositions on this CD: none of them was originally conceived for string quartet. One would search in vain through most ‘complete’ box sets of Haydn, Beethoven and Shostakovich string quartets for the titles included on this CD. And yet in the case of Beethoven and Shostakovich, the composer himself made the arrangements, transforming earlier compositions with the full intention of creating worthy additions to the string quartet repertoire. The Franciscus Quartet demonstrates its multi-faceted nature: at home with the Viennese classics but not afraid of a brief foray into the passionate world of the Argentinian Tango! From a historical standpoint the selections by Haydn, Beethoven and Shostakovich are naturally the most interesting.