Shebalin - Str Qt No. 8 in C, op 53 - Krasni Qt (2000) [Philidor; FLAC]

Wikipedia will tell you:

"Vissarion Yakovlevich Shebalin (Russian: Виссарио́н Я́ковлевич Шебали́н; 11 June [O.S. 29 May] 1902 – 29 May 1963) was a Soviet composer."

But he was more than that. He was considered among the finest teachers and administrators at the Moscow Conservatory, an excellent composer, and a man of high ethical standards. Shostakovich, who despised toadies, had only two pictures (aside from family) on his working desk. One of these was of Shebalin, who stood by his colleagues accused of vague crimes against the state for writing music other than in the official way. It's not surprising that he eventually fell afoul of the state, himself; but despite this, and despite a series of debilitating strokes (Shebalin had to learn how to compose and write left-handed), Shebalin persevered.

His nine quartets are attractive works--not Russian Nationalist School, but not as advanced as his friends Shostakovich or Vainberg, either. It is attractive, expressive music, rewarding to performers and audience, alike.