*** [Three out of Three Star Rating] “The Britten Quartet gives exceptionally powerful readings … they never let you forget the emotions behind his writing. … [String Quartet No. 1 receives] warm and spacious treatment of his writing [and] brings out to the full the distinctive imagination… full-blooded, wide ranging sound.” - Penguin Guide "[E]xpansive, strongly characterized interpretations, and the brightly-lit, resonant recording serves them well. … [T]he Simple Symphony, even if its quartet version is unfamiliar … is despatched in dazzling style by the Britten Quartet." - Gramophone Violinist Peter Manning founded The Britten Quartet with violinist Keith Pascoe, violist Peter Lale, and cellist Andrew Shulman - in 1986, and the group immediately established an international reputation and highly praised discography, making, during its ten years, over 20 recordings. The Britten Quartet was the first British Quartet to be offered an exclusive EMI contract, and also recorded British repertoire for Collins Classics, including string quartets by Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett. Alto is pleased to return these recording, recognized as the supreme interpretations of this essential British chamber music, to international availability.