string quartet

noun
1.
a musical composition, usually in three or four movements, for four stringed instruments, typically two violins, viola, and cello.
2.
a first violinist, second violinist, violist, and cellist forming a group for the performance of string quartets and similar music.
Origin
1870-75
British Dictionary definitions for string quartets

string quartet

noun (music)
1.
an instrumental ensemble consisting of two violins, one viola, and one cello
2.
a piece of music written for such a group, usually having the form and commonest features of a sonata
string quartets in Culture

string quartet definition


A musical group that includes two violins, a viola, and a cello. The term also refers to a composition written for these four instruments. Many composers, notably Franz Josef Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, have written string quartets.