Music Making: The String Quartet

This course will trace the history of the string quartet and its music. The standard instruments of a string quartet have remained unchanged since the eighteenth century and the equal-terms principle has been its hallmark. In composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert we can experience the development of this genre of chamber music. String quartet music provides a medium of the expression of intimate ideas and does not depend for its effects on splashes of colour or great virtuoso display. The composer’s intentions are able to shine through. A wealth of supreme quartets exists for the listener to explore and appreciate from the classical period to the present day.

During the course you will discover the essential elements of a string quartet, its instruments and playing techniques, be able to name examples of famous quartets with titles, know when the string quartet first emerged and identify with confidence the differing styles. We will study the early classical quartets and listen to examples from the romantic, modern and contemporary period. Examples of compositions calling for larger string numbers such as quintet, sextets and octets will also feature during the course.

There will also be an opportunity to hear a string quartet playing live examples during the course of the eight weeks.