The Stuttgart-based Melos Quartet had existed for only half a dozen years at the time of this concert and had already performed in several countries. The musicians had made it their task to perform at least one new work by a living composer every year. In 1977 Wolfgang Fortner had entrusted his fourth string quartet to be premiered by the Melos, whose first performance is documented on the present recording. The well-known works by Haydn and Ravel effectively frame Fortner's modern score.