Well known though Borodin’s Second Quartet is, the First has suffered relative neglect. It had a long gestation period but it's a strong, inventive work which is well worth discovering with its truly engaging finale.
The Second Quartet has at its centre, the wonderful Nocturne which has gone on to become a concert piece in its own right.

'One of the attractive features of the Fitzwilliam Quartet's style is the individuality of character they preserve without loss of a unified approach …  both slow movements are played with great lyrical warmth … The Fitzwilliams' nervous energy can sometimes be brilliantly applied to the music and be properly exciting' - Gramophone

'masterly … richly-textured recording' - Penguin Guide 

Alexander Borodin (1838-1887)
[01-04] String Quartet No. 1 in A major
I. Moderrato - Allegro
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo: Prestissimo - Trio: Moderato
IV. Andante - Allegro risoluto

[05-08] String Quartet No. 2 in D major
I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo: Allegro
III. Notturno: Andante
IV. Finale Andante

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