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. 1 (Schubert) String Quartet No. 1 (Schubert) The String Quartet No. 1 (D 18) in mixed keys was composed by Franz Schubert in 1810 or 1811. A partial autograph of the composer kept in the Vienna City Library has the date 1812 written on the cover. The composition date is however more likely 1810, when the composer was 13 years old. As such it may be Schubert's earliest extant completed multi-movement work for more than one player. The quartet was played in 1812 by the quartet of Schubert's family (his father Franz Theodor, his brothers Ignaz and Ferdinand, and Schubert himself playing