Bloch was 73 years old when the String Quartet No. 3 was premiered in 1953 by the Griller Quartet. It is far more 'pared-down' than his earlier works, and avoids the influence of Jewish music which he was well-known for in works such as 'Schelomo' and the 'Suite Hebraique for viola'.

The first movement is forceful; trills and stark rhythms predominate, whereas the second is more tranquil. Next there is is a strange kind of off-kilter scherzo, followed by a finale based on a 12-tone theme. This is the Schirmer edition of the score.