string quartet

noun

1. a musical composition, usually in three or four movements, for four stringed instruments, typically two violins, viola, and cello.

2. a first violinist, second violinist, violist, and cellist forming a group for the performance of string quartets and similar music.

string quartet

noun

1. an instrumental ensemble consisting of two violins, one viola, and one cello

2. a piece of music written for such a group, usually having the form and commonest features of a sonata

string quartet

1. A musical group that includes two violins, a viola, and a cello. The term also refers to a composition written for these four instruments. Many composers, notably Franz Josef Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, have written string quartets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of string quartet¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Riley celebrated his 90th birthday in June with two Tokyo concerts by the Kronos Quartet, one being, at the composer’s request, the Japanese premiere of Riley’s most cosmic string quartet, “Sun Rings.”

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She also mentioned she loved the Sunday string quartets that performed at the museum.

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Exalted string quartet devotees belittled film soundtracks, while studio heads had a reputation for shunning classical music longhairs.

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“The Holy Liftoff” realized by Samuel Clay Birmaher for flute and string quartet, opens with Chase on all five of her flutes, one played live, the others prerecorded.

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Scribner: The string quartet plays from an empty dressing room for most of the show.

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