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

It could also be called a song cycle that employs ear-piercing rock and, for respite, a welcoming string quartet.

From Los Angeles Times

Musical offerings can vary widely: a string quartet from the National Philharmonic of Ukraine one night, a jazz ensemble on another.

From Los Angeles Times

The sounds of a string quartet echoed up from the Winter Garden.

From Literature

An overexuberant Garcia - who had a string quartet perform classical music in his dressing room earlier - was deducted a point seconds later for throwing a punch after the referee asked the boxers to break.

From BBC

A filmed performance of the piece by PRT Quartet, a Japanese professional string quartet, was also released on YouTube in March 2023.

From Science Daily