Czech folk rhythms, national fervour, memories of youth and private anguish unite in the chamber intimacy of Smetana's String Quartet No 1 "From My Life". The composer was coming to terms with his deafness, and the high harmonics in the last movement are probably associated with his tinnitus. While "From My Life" opens with an impassioned viola solo, the "Intimate Letters" Quartet No 2, by his fellow countryman Janácek, made similar prominent use of the mellow instrument, powerfully played here by the group's violist Ori Kam. The Jerusalem Quartet brings all to life with rigour, intensity and lilting poise.