We have many more groups like these. Select your County in the drop down box above, to see who covers your area.
String quartetsAbove is a small selection of our String Quartets across the country. There are many more quartets on our database, which can be accessed by selecting your county from the drop down box so that you can see which string quartets perform in your area. The String Quartet is probably the most versatile of all classical and light music ensembles. It is also one of the most perfect musical forms, enabling a four part harmony. Many of the greatest composers have written some of their best works for the quartet. The String Quartet repertoireThe repertoire such a group can play is enormous, ranging from Baroque, through Classical and Romantic to light or easy listening music such as music from the shows, film music right up to light jazz and some pop classics. Some String Quartets are variants of the traditional line up. A conventional string quartet comprises 2 violins, viola, cello. Some ensembles play with additional or alternative instruments, such as flute, violin, viola, cello. The Midsummer Flute & String Quartet is such an ensemble. Have a look at their repertoire list to see the diversity of music that is possible. A String Quartet for a reception or banquetA string quartet is ideal, in that they play acoustic instruments where the tone and volume can be tailored to the needs of the situation. This means that they can play for anywhere from just a few people to a hundred and fifty, adjusting the sound so that guests can talk and socialise comfortably, whilst enjoying the music as background music. Alternatively, guests can sit and listen like an informal concert. Another advantage of playing acoustic instruments is that the string quartet can set up, or move locations very quickly, provided that the venue has place four chairs at each location the quartet are to play in. There are no amplifiers, microphones or loud speakers to set up and move. This is particularly valuable where, for example, the string quartet are required to play in one location for the drinks, then move to another location to play during the meal. A String Quartet for a Wedding CeremonyAgain, one of the most versatile ensembles, a string quartet is a perfect option for a wedding ceremony. Typically the string quartet would play for a quarter to half an hour before the ceremony, as guests arrived. This sets a wonderful atmosphere. Then they would play as the Bride made her entrance, during the signing of the register and as the couple make their exit. If they are playing for a church ceremony, they would sometimes play for the hymns, though usually the church organ would do this. The string quartet would advise on suitable music. If it is a civil ceremony, then the music must not have any religious connections. The location of the String QuartetWhere the string quartet is located is well worth some consideration. When playing for a meal, the quartet should be fairly central to all the diners, so that they are as equidistant as possible from the musicians. This means that everyone can hear the music to the optimum. Sticking the quartet in a corner, close to some diners, and a long way from others is not a good idea. Also, with a wedding ceremony, the quartet can be positioned at the back of the room or church, so that the music can be heard without distracting from the guests view of the bride and groom. Alternatively, the string quartet can be at the front of the room or church, so that they provide an attractive visual feature to the ceremony, particularly as guests arrive and wait for the ceremony to begin. Space needed by a String Quartet A string quartet is a very compact ensemble, not needing to take up extra space with mixing desks and loud speakers, as do many kinds of music group. This can be an extremely useful attribute if the string quartet has to play in a confined area, such as a small church, small reception room, or even a private house. |