The Cambridge Companion to the String Quartet

An accessible and authoritative survey of the string quartet by ten chambermusic specialists, this Companion's carefully structured chaptersfocus on four main areas: social and muical background to the genre'sdevelopment; celebrated ensembles and their significance; string quartetplaying, including aspects of contemporary and historical performingpractice; and the most important repertory, taking into account significant'mixed ensemble' works involving the string quartet. Informative appendixes,including a full chronology of the mainstream repertory, complete thiscompact, yet indispensable guide designed for string quartet enthusiasts,both amateur and professional.