Kronos Quartet
"Gorecki - String Quartets no. 1 & 2" (CD)

Recorded in the early 90's and released in 1993, this CD, along with Dawn Upshaw/David Zinman's recording of Gorecki's third symphony pushed Gorecki's music into the American consciousness.

I'll admit, this is partially homework. I'm considering learning the second string quartet soon and I wasn't familiar with it at all.
It's equal parts serialism and minimalism; certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but it is a striking work, and Kronos gives (of course) a haunting, incredible performance on this recording.

Some would say Gorecki is the Bruckner of our age, and I think that means his music will come to an even greater appreciation as the decades progress.