string quartet

noun

|Updated on: 2 Aug 2018

Definition of string quartet

1 : a composition for string quartet

2 : a quartet of performers on stringed instruments usually including a first and second violin, a viola, and a cello

Recent Examples of string quartet from the Web

Over two nights, the ensemble will play all five of Beethoven’s late string quartets.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Things to do in Greater Boston this summer," 15 June 2018
In coming years, Bridges could serve to generate an ever-expanding repertoire of music for jazz trio and string quartet, a cause that both jazz and classical listeners can applaud.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Gregory Porter sounds sumptuous with CSO," 12 June 2018
For the most part, the piano went one way, and the string quartet, another.

— New York Times, "Review: Chiara Quartet Says Farewell on a High Note," 13 May 2018
Brentano Quartet with Dawn Upshaw The soprano joins the string quartet for a program of works by Mozart, Respighi, Schubert, Webern and Schoenberg.

— matt cooper, latimes.com, "The week ahead in L.A. classical music, April 22-29: Brentano Quartet with Dawn Upshaw and more," 22 Apr. 2018
In one sampling of the pairings for a modern romantic outdoor ceremony, Dream City Strings recommended a string quartet to play for the 200 guests.

— sarah hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This startup takes the guesswork out of picking music — and musicians — for your wedding," 7 Mar. 2018
In the Frick’s room, the sound of that same string quartet becomes even more visceral and engulfing, and individual voices come through with palpable clarity.

— New York Times, "As the Frick Expands, New York City Music Suffers," 29 June 2018
Waves of melodic lines bubbling upward from the woodwinds and shattering declamations from the brass are but two examples; an edgy passage for string quartet is another.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "BSO New Music Festival filled with eclectic works, electric performances," 26 June 2018
Joined by two other instrumentalists and a string quartet, Carlile and the twins played all but one of the record’s songs over the course of the 110-minute set.

— bob gendron, chicagotribune.com, "Brandi Carlile was daring, personal and triumphant," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'string quartet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.