. . . a vibrant Latin American flavour to the three quartet pieces . . . Their impassioned take on Shostakovich String Quartet No 8 in C minor reflects the substantial Russian influence on Venezuelan classical music . . . the players have the closest bond with Argentinian composter Alberto Ginastera's String Quartet No 1.

. . . [an] impressive and warmly recorded debut CD . . . [Ginastera]: Not surprisingly, the players fully empathise with its vibrant Latin American rhythms, masterly contrasts in texture and arresting colours. The fast outer movements are played with passionate conviction and great physical intensity. The SBSQ are equally capable of producing wonderfully atmospheric playing . . . [Dvorák]: The first movement has tremendous energy and drive, and the pulsating syncopated rhythms that open the Finale are really exhilarating . . . [Shostakovich]: The SBSQ are at their most exciting in the frenzied activity of the second movement and the percussive writing of the ensuing Allegretto . . . the players invest the music with great depth of feeling . . .

. . . [Ginastera / String Quartet no. 1]: beautifully articulated, alert but not neurotic, underlining the influence of Ginastera's mentor Aaron Copland, and with a slow movement, marked by the composer "Calmo e poetico", that's unearthly.