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
Sextet for Horns and String Quartet (Beethoven) Sextet for Horns and String Quartet (Beethoven) The Sextet for Horns and String Quartet, Op. 81b, was written by composer Ludwig van Beethoven, probably around 1795, and published by Simrock Verlag in 1810. It is in the key of E major and is scored for two horns and a string quartet. It was probably modelled on the Horn Quintet in the same key by Mozart (K. 407) and like the earlier work it is written in a concertante style, with virtuosic writing for the two horns. Prior to the publication by Simrock in 1810, nothing is known about the circumstances