STRING QUARTET: A BRIEF HISTORY AND FUNCTIONS.

STRING QUARTET:

Kayjatta

How a string quartet functions?

      The string quartet functions as a group of four players of four instruments. The two violins (first and second violins), one viola, and one cello. Each player has different general roles. The first violinist provides the notes, tempo, and is often in charge by playing the leading role. The second violinist provides the harmony and rhythm. It is a more challenging role than that of the first violinist according to Carter Enyeart, a renown cellist. The Viola and the cello with different pitches provide the harmony and support.
You probably heard about the saying that "violins are small cellos, and cellos are big violins". Actually violins and cellos together with the viola form the three of the string instruments of the orchestra. Sometimes a double bass ( or contra bass) is featured. The violin is the smallest, then the viola, and the cello is the biggest; it can be as big as the person playing it. The violin is high-pitched with low notes while cellos are low-pitched with deep sound tone.

                                                Playing in a chamber group versus playing in a large ensemble:

Some of the advantages of playing in a chamber group than in a large ensemble.  There is more intimacy among the players in the chamber group than in a large ensemble. The players operate in a conversation and a democratic style. Also the expression of personal and private thoughts is more possible in a chamber group. Additionally, each instrument or player is free to fully express itself in a chamber group. This is quite impossible in a large ensemble.

                                                 A brief history of the string quartet:

The string quartet is a product of the musical experimentation and discovery especially during the classical era by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert of the Viennese school. The string quartet soon became the most influential music as compared to the solo, duo, the trio, and other forms. It generally follows a standard four-movement structure of 'fast-slow-moderate dance-fast’.