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 (Ives) connect the two hymns as a B section. The piece ends on a plagal cadence (IV-I), reinforcing the piece's heavy use of hymns. (Hymns typically end on plagal cadences). String Quartet No. 1 (Ives) String Quartet No. 1 is one of the most studied works by composer Charles Ives. The piece is composed for the standard string quartet of two violins, viola, and cello. The piece has four movements: The first movement is fugal in form and is considered separate from the rest because of its difference in tone. This piece is also found as the third movement of Ives'