The Takács have recorded it before. Back in 1997 for Decca its tensile urgency was to the fore...But the experience of nearly three decades has intervened, as has changes of personnel. The result might be less ‘edgy’ but D887 is a chamber music Everest susceptible to ascent by more than one route.

Where [their] earlier reading seemed to be driven by nervous energy, every rhythm taut, every accent sharply etched, the new one seems much more relaxed, and distinctly less intense...Of course, it almost goes without saying that technically the performance is as precise as ever.

The major work on their latest release is Schubert’s String Quartet No 15 — one of his most grandiose…Structurally and harmonically, Schubert in this mighty piece is always springing surprises, but the Takacs players, always persuasive whatever the twist, take everything in their stride.