Beethoven wrote sixteen string quartets, and so here are sixteen excellent string quartet cycles. The history of these works on disc is also the history of quartet playing in the twentieth century more generally. There are too many fine versions from which to choose, and in the end it all boils down to your personal preference. So here are my favorites, both new and old; but any of these sets will serve very well as an introduction to these extraordinary works.
Musical Example courtesy of Supraphon Records

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