The Cambridge Companion to the String Quartet [Paperback]

Will enrich readers' understanding of the history of the string quartet, the music and its interpretation.An accessible and authoritative survey of the string quartet by ten chambermusic specialists, this Companion's carefully structured chaptersfocus on four main areas: social and muical background to the genre'sdevelopment; celebrated ensembles and their significance; string quartetplaying, including aspects of contemporary and historical performingpractice; and the most important repertory, taking into account significant'mixed ensemble' works involving the string quartet. Informative appendixes,including a full chronology of the mainstream repertory, complete thiscompact, yet indispensable guide designed for string quartet enthusiasts,both amateur and professional.An accessible and authoritative survey of the string quartet by ten chambermusic specialists, this Companion's carefully structured chaptersfocus on four main areas: social and muical background to the genre'sdevelopment; celebrated ensembles and their significance; string quartetplaying, including aspects of contemporary and historical performingpractice; and the most important repertory, taking into account significant'mixed ensemble' works involving the string quartet. Informative appendixes,including a full chronology of the mainstream repertory, complete thiscompact, yet indispensable guide designed for string quartet enthusiasts,both amateur and professional.This survey of the string quartet by ten chamber music specialists focuses on four main areas: social and musical background to the genre's development; celebrated ensembles and their significance; and string quartet playing. It reviews aspects of contemporary and historical practice, including mixed ensembles. Informative appendixes and a full chronology of the mainstream repertory complete this compact guide.Part I. Social Changes and Organological Developments: 1. The string quartet and society Christina Bashford; 2. Developments in instlÁ