Die Streichquartette - The String Quartets - Les Quatuors À Cordes

Released in 1982 by Deutsche Grammophon, this box set is a definitive recording of the complete string quartets by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. The project features the Melos Quartett, a world-renowned German chamber ensemble formed in 1965 in Stuttgart, known for their rigorous technical precision and idiomatic approach to the Germanic classical repertoire. This collection was produced during the ensemble's prime, capturing their reputation for clarity and balanced musicality as they navigated the transition from Mendelssohn's early, Mendelssohnian grace to his more intense, mature works.

The box set reflects Deutsche Grammophon’s commitment to high-fidelity documentation of central European chamber music during the early 1980s. The cover art and production design align with the label's classic house aesthetic of that era, emphasizing academic gravity and musical scholarship. Upon its reception, the set was widely praised by critics for the Melos Quartett's ability to maintain a unified, articulate sound across all seven quartets, solidifying the recording as a staple in the discography of classical music collectors.