Chamber music is an interesting animal.

The chamber referred to is a palace chamber. This music was originally written to be performed in the private chambers, or bedroom, of the patron.

At the time chamber music originated, the composers and musicians were almost all servants of the nobility.

The modern origins of chamber music date back to the renaissance but the practice of rulers having private musicians is probably as old as music.

One thinks to a young David playing the harp in King Saul’s private chambers to soothe the king’s evil spirits. Saul was so demanding. First David kills Goliath for him and now David has to play him to sleep?

As Chamber music evolved, it became more about the chamber music forms than about music for the private enjoyment of the aristocracy.

Of the chamber music genres, the string quartet is perhaps the most venerated.

Composer like Ravel, Debussy, Bartok, Shostakovich, Elgar, and Britten all wrote notable string quartets. None of these composers were writing with the idea of playing a king to sleep.

The string quartet has become a proving ground for composers. What are they proving?

The string quartet is all about the dialogue between the four instruments, usually two violins, one viola, and one cello.

Goethe famously described the string quartet as, “four rational people conversing.”

The string quartet forces composers to prove they can write music that is intimate and compelling.

There is no hiding behind spectacle or brassy climaxes with thundering timpani and bass drums. There are no woodwinds or xylophones to create orchestral shades.

The string quartet is pure music. Even in a four part choral composition, the text helps support and gives direction to the composer.

The string quartet is music for those who have refined their ability to understand music. For those beginning their journey into classical music, the string quartet can be elusive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehQMe57TPPM