All that was issued of a projected Fitzwilliam Quartet cycle on Decca were two late quartets – Opp. 130 and 132 – as well as the Grosse Fuge and these have not been available for more than two decades.
The recordings were highly regarded upon their first (and only appearance) on CD with the Grosse Fuge placed before the finale of the B flat major Quartet, 'clearly intended to be a spectacular apotheosis' as Alan George argues in his notes. Listeners can programme the CD with either the Grosse Fuge as the finale or the sixth movement conventionally used as its finale.

'This thoughtful performance has much to recommend it. In the dominating slow movement the players risk a slower tempo than any other ensemble known to me … and this is symptomatic of the committed intensity with which they play this extraordinary music.' (Op. 132) - Gramophone

'I much like the ardour and intelligence that the Fitzwilliam brings to all it does. […]  this ensemble can hold its own alongside most competition, for it is without question one of the finest ensembles this country has produced in recent years. Impressive too, is the Decca recording, which is as well balanced as any of the current rivals. I was struck right from the very opening by their unerringly right choice of tempos [in Op. 130]. […] This is indeed a thoughtful reading, obviously the product of much care and feeling. […]Their account of the Grosse Fuge, is powerful and muscular … There is a marvellously combative feeling here.' (Op. 130, Grosse Fuge) - Gramophone
 
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) 
CD1   
[01-07] String Quartet No. 13 in B flat major, Op. 130 
I. Adagio, ma non troppo - Allegro
II. Presto
III. Andante con moto, ma non troppo
IV. Alla danza tedesca: Allegro assai
V. Cavatina: Adagio molto espressivo  
VIa.Grosse Fuge, Op. 133 - Overtura - Allegro - Meno mosso e moderato - Allegro molto e con brio 
VIb. Finale: Allero (Op.130)

CD2  
[01 -05] String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132     
I. Assai sostenuto - Allegro      
II. Allegro ma non tanto
III. Molto adagio
IV. Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro 
V. Allegro appassionata - Presto           

Fitzwilliam String Quartet
Christopher Rowland, violin I
Jonathan Sparey, violin II
Alan George, viola
Ioan Davies, cello