string quartet
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string quartet
A musical ensemble consisting of four string instruments, typically two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Das berühmte Streichquartett gab ein ausverkauftes Konzert in der Elbphilharmonie.
The famous string quartet gave a sold-out concert at the Elbphilharmonie.
The word is made up of 'Streich-' and 'Quartett'. 'Streich-' comes from 'Streichinstrumente' (string instruments), which are played with a bow, and 'Quartett' means a group of four. So it is literally a group of four string instruments.
Ein klassisches Streichquartett besteht aus zwei Violinen, Bratsche und Cello.
A classical string quartet consists of two violins, viola, and cello.
Context tells you whether the music group (ensemble) or the piece of music (composition) is meant. Verbs like 'auftreten' (to perform) or 'gründen' (to found) refer to the group, while verbs like 'komponieren' (to compose) or 'hören' (to listen to) point to the work.
Das junge Streichquartett tritt nächsten Monat in Berlin auf.
The young string quartet is performing in Berlin next month.
When referring to the composition, the word is often connected with a composer or a key. Typical phrases are 'ein Streichquartett von [Name]' (a string quartet by [name]) or 'das Streichquartett in C-Dur' (the string quartet in C major).
Beethovens späte Streichquartette gelten als Meisterwerke der Kammermusik.
Beethoven's late string quartets are considered masterpieces of chamber music.
quartet
'das Quartett' and 'das Streichquartett' both belong to the field of music and have to do with four musicians or four parts. 'Quartett' is the more general term: the four may play different instruments or sing. 'Streichquartett' is more specific. It means a quartet with string instruments, usually two violins, a viola, and a cello, or a piece for this instrumentation. The words can be confused because every 'Streichquartett' is a 'Quartett'. But not every 'Quartett' is a 'Streichquartett'.
Das Streichquartett übt am Morgen ein neues Stück von Mozart.
The string quartet is rehearsing a new piece by Mozart in the morning.
Nach der Pause tritt ein Quartett mit Klavier, Flöte, Klarinette und Cello auf.
After the break, a quartet with piano, flute, clarinet, and cello will perform.