The Borodin Quartet tackles Shostakovich's final two string quartets, written in 1973 and 1974 just before the composer's death. These are unsparing, introspective works—late-period pieces where all excess is burned away and we're left with pure emotional statement. The Borodin players bring tonal warmth to music that can sound cold or austere. String Quartet No. 14 in F-sharp Major casts a searching light, while No. 15 in E-flat Minor feels like a farewell. These are not performances that pummel you with grandeur; they're conversational and deeply human. If you want to sit with Shostakovich's final thoughts on chamber music, this is indispensable.