Only superlatives come to mind when describing the Alban Berg Quartet's form in these performances. The Orlando (Philips) are never less than impressive, but they do not possess the distinctive individuality of their rival. For instance, whereas the Andantino movement of the Debussy finds the Orlando a bit static, the Alban Berg manage to convey the doucement marking both in regard to the character and the string texture. The EMI recording favours a mellower and more resonant acoustic with a clearly defined instrumental balance, thus enabling one to hear much more of the music contained in individual parts.'