A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello. The term "string quartet" also refers to a piece written for such a group. Since the middle of the Classical Period, it has generally been the most popular genre of chamber music for both composers and audiences alike.

A student quartet plays a recital

The "traditional" string quartet has four movements. The first and last are generally faster and longer, while the middle two movements provide some sort of contrast from the outer ones (and from each other). Of course, not every composer has follwed these rules, especially those since the late Romantic Period.

With a few exceptions, almost every major composer throughout history has written music for the string quartet. The most notable among them include (but are not limited to!) Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Bartók, and Shostakovich, to name only a small handful.

Because of the huge size of the string quartet repertoire, many members of professional string quartets usually don't have much room in their schedules to include teaching or solo careers. Besides performing at concerts and recitals, quartets often play at weddings, receptions, and other fancy get-togethers.

• "Musical Forms - String Quartet" - by Matt Boynick

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