The Borromeo began the recital with Schoenberg's First String Quartet. I do not believe I have ever heard this work live. I remember the first time I listened to it (probably when still in college) I was immediately drawn into it and have considered it one of my favorite quartets ever since. The Borromeo gave an exquisitely crystal clear playing of the work; there was no thickness of texture that I had come to associate with the piece. The gnarly counterpoint and filigree made its presence known but didn't take over the work. I loved the performance and left at intermission.