is the most common chamber ensemble (that is, designated for small
spaces), and the greatest of composers dedicated the best of their work
to this compound of instruments. The ensemble includes two violins ,
a viola
and a cello.
The basis of this ensemble is the equality of instruments
and parts: there is no such thing as an accompanying instrument
and a solo instrument in this group, but a kind of a conversation between
instruments, alternately switching from solo to accompaniment as in an
ordinary conversation. In
addition, a "string quartet" is also an
important form of composition, common among classical
composers - designated for the same ensemble. Although Haydn
is considered the father of the string quartet, the first string
quartet was written by Allegri.
Corelli,
Bach
and Handel
also wrote quartets, yet Haydn was the one who liberated the string
quartet from the compulsion to write a harpsichord
accompaniment in the figured bass
style, and introduced equality between members of the ensemble. Haydn
also set the form of classic sonata form
as the customary form for the chamber quartet. Thus, in fact, the
quartet became the most important chamber form. Haydn's
six quartets Opus 76 and the two
quartets Opus 77 are viewed as some of the best pieces in the genre's
history. Mozart,
who played with Haydn in a quartet, also excelled in this genre, and his
quartet "The Hunt" (K. 458) is beautiful,
fascinating and greatly influenced by Haydn's music. The same may be said
about his "Dissonance" quartet, K. 465.
Beethoven's
last six quartets are considered some of his
best works, among these the No. 15, Opus 132.
Schubert
also excelled in this field, in the last quartets he wrote in his life,
among which the all-serious "Death and the maiden".
Brahms
composed only three quartets, yet extremely exquisite, especially Quartet
No. 1, opus 25. Dvorak, during his
stay in the America, wrote his so-called "American"
quartet, Opus 96. The No. 2 Quartet
by Borodin
is also widely known and loved by the audience.    |
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