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A quartet in music is either a group of four singers or instrumentalists performing together, or a composition written for four performers. “Quartet” does not specify which voices or instruments are involved; a name such as string quartet tells you more about the lineup.
What does “quartet” mean in music?
The word has two related meanings: it can refer to the four performers, or to the music composed for them. In “the quartet performed,” it means the group; in “a quartet by Beethoven,” it means a composition. Oxford’s definition of “quartet” includes both uses.
The defining feature is four performers—not one particular genre, sound, or arrangement. A quartet may be vocal or instrumental, so the term alone does not identify its instrumentation. Cambridge’s English Dictionary entry likewise defines the musical group by its four people, rather than by a fixed lineup.
How many musicians are in a quartet?
Four. The exact roles depend on the kind of quartet. Some are made up of singers; others consist of instrumentalists. When the lineup matters, look for a qualifier such as string, piano, or wind.
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What instruments are in a string quartet?
A standard string quartet has four players: two violinists, one violist, and one cellist. This familiar formation is described in Wigmore Hall’s educational resource on string quartets. The word string identifies the type; the four performers make it a quartet.
What are other quartet lineups?
Quartets can have different combinations of voices and instruments. Treccani’s entry on “quartetto” gives these examples:
Rank #2
- Format: Book & 2 CDs
- Category: Textbook - General
- Contributors: By Andrew Surmani, Karen Farnum Surmani, and Morton Manus
- Pub Date: 8/2004
- Series: Essentials of Music Theory
| Quartet type | Example lineup |
|---|---|
| Vocal | Soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass |
| Piano | Violin, viola, cello, and piano |
| Wind | Flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon |
These are examples, not a single rule for every quartet of that type. Vocal arrangements, in particular, can vary; soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass is one common arrangement, not the only possible one.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where does the word “quartet” come from?
Oxford traces the word to the early 17th century, through French and Italian forms from Latin quartus, meaning “fourth.” This etymology reflects the number at the heart of the musical term.
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Rank #4
Rank #3
- Book/Online Audio
- Pages: 120
- Instrumentation: All Instruments
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