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. 3 (Rochberg) String Quartet No. 3 (Rochberg) George Rochberg’s String Quartet No. 3 is an important piece in American contemporary music literature. Written in 1971 and premiered on May 15, 1972, by the Concord String Quartet, the third string quartet was an important move away from serialism for the American composer. Early in his career George Rochberg wrote in a total serialist style that was popular with post World War II composers. Rochberg’s first and second quartets are written in this modernist style. Then in 1961 tragedy struck when Rochberg’s son became ill with an ultimately fatal brain tumor. His son’s death