String quartet String quartet A string quartet is a musical ensemble consisting of four string players – two violin players, a viola player and a cellist – or a piece written to be performed by such a group. The string quartet is one of the most prominent chamber ensembles in classical music, with most major composers, from the mid 18th century onwards, writing string quartets. The string quartet was developed into its current form by the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn, with his works in the 1750s establishing the genre. Ever since Haydn's day the string quartet has been considered a prestigious form
String Quartet No. 2 (Rouse) String Quartet No. 2 (Rouse) The String Quartet No. 2 is the second string quartet by the American composer Christopher Rouse. The work was commissioned by the Cleveland Quartet with additional contributions from the Eastman School of Music and was completed May 6, 1988. It was given its world premiere at the Aspen Music Festival by the Cleveland Quartet in July 1988. Rouse dedicated the composition to the people of the Soviet Union. The work has a duration of roughly 17 minutes and is composed in three connected movements: Rouse described the inspiration for the String Quartet No. 2 in