The sound engineering on this CD is variable. Quartets 1 and 16 were recorded in 1933, and sound almost as good as a modern recording. No. 11 was recorded a year earlier, and there the sound is somewhat muffled, but still enjoyable. Surface noise from the 78s is at a minimum throughout. As performances, these may be the best ever. No. 1 receives a reading full of classical poise and elegance. There is no underestimating how beautiful the Busch Quartet sounds. No. 11 features much contrast of light and shade. As for Beethoven's last quartet, it receives a deeply spiritual performance. The slow movement is almost effortlessly soulful and poised, while the last, Muss es Sein, movement proceeds at a tempo that just sounds perfect. This is quartet playing of rare distinction.