Chamber Music: Learn more about this form of classical music, which is written for a small group of instruments.
Chamber Music by Great Composers
We live in a hectic world and as humans, we need to take time to relax; the soothing sounds of Chamber Music is just what you need. Coupled with a good book, or just before bed, and the hours kind of just drift away.
Great composers like Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven have created some great works of classical chamber music.
Most of the string quartets composed by Haydn and Mozart are cheerful and easier to play. It can be undertaken by amateurs as well and are well suited to be played at homes. Beethoven’s works on the other hand are much more technically complex.
Schubert String Quintet
Schubert’s Quintet in C is among the greatest works ever written for a string quartet. Schubert altered the standard setting of a string quintet to include an extra cello, adding extra richness to proceedings.
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Bruckner String Quintet
Anton Bruckner’s String Quintet in F major was composed at the suggestion of the famous Viennese violinist Joseph Hellmesberger. Bruckner had little familiarity with string chamber music, and did not know about Beethoven’s late string quartets at the time he wrote this work.
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Mendelssohn Piano Trio no 1
Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 (violin, cello and piano) is one of Mendelssohn’s most popular chamber works and is recognized as one of his greatest, along with his Octet.
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Mendelssohn Octet
Felix Mendelssohn composed the Octet when he was only 16. Although it was written for only eight string players, it may safely be considered a full blown symphony.
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Great Chamber Music BOX SET by Various Artists
Collection of great chamber music brings together nine giants of music in works which reveal their most immediate and individual expressive worlds. A fine collection by Naxos on the development of chamber music in the 18th century.
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The Most Relaxing Chamber Music Album in the World Ever! by Various Artists
If this is your kind of music, or even if you are a novice, this CD may be the one that gives you your first dip into “Long Haired” music.
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Mozart Oboe Quartet / Horn Quintet / Musical Joke
This historically significant disc includes a single movement from a quintet never completed by Mozart before his death. A disc to be relished with the CD player firmly on ‘continuous play’! Oboe Quartet / Horn Quintet / Musical Joke contains a single disc with 10 songs.
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What is Chamber Music?
Classical chamber music is a form of classical music which is written for only a small group of musical instruments. Traditionally, this form of music used to be performed in a palace chamber.
Since then the word "chamber" has been associated with music that can be played by a small group of musicians in a small room… as an activity among friends within an intimate atmosphere.
Characteristics of Chamber Music?
Though the chamber music definition says that it needs to be performed in a small place, it has eventually graduated to the concert hall.
However you will not find any conductor in Chamber music.
By definition, chamber music does not include any solo instrument performances.
The most familiar type of composition for a chamber group is the string quartet – two violins, a viola and a cello. The violins play the higher notes, the viola plays the middle notes and the cello plays the bass (lowest) notes.
Why Pianists Love Chamber Music
For most concert pianists, its usually a solitary world with solo recitals making up a significant portion of their concert calendar.
That’s why when pianists get the opportunity to perform chamber music, them jump at it. Its common to see top pianists perform at top chamber-music festivals.
How it Helps Music Students & Musicians
For musicians, playing in a chamber music ensemble is a rewarding experience, as you get to showcase your talent, because of the limited number of instruments. Each music instrument plays an important role, and unlike concerto or a symphony, Chamber music is performed by only one player per part.
For music students, participating in chamber music programs helps them to widen their repertoire, helps them gain confidence, and make some close friends.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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