What is the difference between a string trio and a string quartet?
A string quartet is the standard size string group. Most small ensemble string music that you hear is for a string quartet which consists of two violins, one viola and one cello. A string quartet is very versatile and is able to play almost any musical style from renaissance music through contemporary. A string trio leaves out one of the musicians – either the viola or one of the violins. It is a smaller sound and is not as versatile. It can still play early music but a string trio cannot realistically play contemporary music since there are only three parts and contemporary music usually requires at least four parts. If you would like to know if a certain piece of music works with a string trio just ask and we’ll let you know.
