Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "String Quartet No. 8 (Shostakovich)" in English language version.
In the liner notes of the Borodin String Quartet's recording of Dmitri Shostakovich's Eighth String Quartet, critic Erik Smith wrote, "The Borodin Quartet played this work for the composer at his Moscow home, hoping for his criticisms. But Shostakovich, overwhelmed by this beautiful realization of his most personal feelings, buried his head in his hands and wept. When they had finished playing, the four musicians quietly packed up their instruments and stole out of the room."