Jump to content

String Quartet


Recommended Posts

Hi, I'm starting some chamber music, which I haven't done much of. I'm thinking about beginning with a string quartet. So how does one go about orchestrating the string quartet? Are there some good examples of standard string quartet orchestration (maybe Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn etc.)? Are the four instruments playing like a choral, with counterpoint and harmony, or are they like a standard orchestra with 1st violin having melody, etc.? Any tips on how to compose a string quartet generally?

The same goes for other chamber pieces such as piano trio, piano quintet, string trio, piano quartet, etc... I'm looking for good, easy to analyze, standard pieces that represent the normal form. And advice would be great also. Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the questions are the answers...

study is always good. The names you mentioned are good to star with.

there are multiple textures possible. choral is one possibility. many others will seen as you start studying, because only a polyphonic texture gets dull (unless you want that)

I would advise to look in the archives here for string quartets as well. Magna Carta's string quartet (called 'textures') will show many extended techniques

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...