The Smetana Quartet from Prague was certainly the most prolific string quartet of Czechoslovakia, being active for more than 4 decades, from 1945 to 1989. For many years this group, which has been called the finest Czech quartet of its time, played the Czech repertoire from memory, giving these works a special intensity and intimacy. Equally brilliant were their interpretations of the works of Schubert, Beethoven and all the other great composers from the Vienna classic epoque. This album unites two great string quartets by Beethoven (Nos 1 and 11) and Schubert's Quartet No. 14 which is better known under the name "The Death and the Maiden". All 12 tracks have been carefully remasterd in 24 Bit High Definition.