Karoly Schranz and Andras Fejer, the two original members, with Edward Dusinberre and Geraldine Walther are the four virtuosi who comprise the Takacs Quartet. Together, they displayed sublime musicianship and demonstrated why they truly deserve the “greatest string quartet in the world” epithet.

The Musica Viva program of Schubert, Janacek and Mills juxtaposed the magnificent, the moving and the modern with a trio of works that complemented one other surprisingly well. Schubert’s incomparable fifteenth quartet, his last major work, is a challenging composition that was visionary in its day and still intrigues the listener with its unexpected inventions.

Janacek’s Intimate Letters second quartet is an altogether more emotionally-driven work lamenting, as it does, the composer’s unhappy and largely unrequited love. These truly great works were introduced by a 2007 composition by Australian Richard Mills. The Fantasias and Capriccio is written in three short sections, each playful and teasing. The work is inescapably modern but seems nonetheless engaged with its chamber music heritage.

Now based in Boulder, Colorado, but originally formed in Hungary, the Takacs Quartet has enjoyed a long touring relationship with Musica Viva. Let’s hope it will continue long into the future. Adelaide Town Hall, August 8.