Quartet

A quartet is an ensemble consisting of four musicians, or a musical composition written for four instruments or voices. The term is most commonly associated with string quartets, which feature two violins, a viola, and a cello. However, quartets can be formed from a variety of instrument combinations, including brass quartets, woodwind quartets, vocal quartets, and jazz quartets.

In classical music, the string quartet is considered a highly refined and sophisticated genre, with a rich history and vast repertoire. Notable composers who have written extensively for string quartet include Joseph Haydn (considered the "father of the string quartet"), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Béla Bartók.

The term "quartet" can also refer to any group of four performing together, even if the instruments are not traditional classical instruments. For example, a barbershop quartet consists of four singers performing a cappella harmony.

A key characteristic of a quartet is the balance and interplay between the four individual parts. Each musician or voice typically has its own distinct melodic line or harmonic role, contributing to the overall texture and musical effect. The interplay can range from homophonic passages, where all four parts move together in harmony, to contrapuntal sections where the parts are more independent and imitative.