A pupil of Tchaikovsky, who called him the "Russian Bach", Sergey Taneyev is best known today for his four symphonies, although he also composed a sizable body of chamber music, including nine complete String Quartets.

Quartet No 9 is a memorably melodic work, while the beautifully crafted No 6, his last completed quartet, is rather more austere, though marked by a playful Jig, and even more masterful in construction. One of the most unique and sought-after chamber ensembles on the concert stage today, the Carpe Diem String Quartet are also involved in several most noteworthy educational and community outreach initiatives that bring music to those with limited access to it, or are otherwise unable to access it at all.