Thread: Is the string quartet an acquired taste?

I was just wondering if the string quartet/quintet etc form is something someone who doesnt listen to classical music much would enjoy?

Well, it has a reputation as a difficult, abstract genre; but there's no accounting for taste. The best thing to do is to listen to some and make up your own mind.

Are you thinking of a particular quartet?

Depends on the composer imo. I would say Haydn would be the easiest to get into.

I think the repertoire hardly make it to Classical top ten something. But taste is a difficult word, just try it. Repertoire like Dvorak American quartet I think can attracted new listener quite easily.

Beethoven's string quartets were actually some of the first things I listened to when I started getting in to classical. I see all this talk about how they're "difficult to understand", but I don't really get it, they all sound just fine to me! And only one way to find out if you'd like them...trial and error

When I started listening to classical, I only listened to orchestral music. I liked the orchestral colors. I thought string quartets and piano pieces were too monochromatic. After I got into classical, I tested the waters and found I actually liked other genres.

So in my experience, it was an acquired taste.

Something must be acquired; I don't know that it's 'taste'. The new listener has get used to the sounds the instruments make, both individually and together. When I started out (it was with Beethoven's Op. 18 set, played by the Guarnieri SQ) I thought it sounded like everyone was slightly out of tune. As it turned out, they were not.

Originally Posted by Hilltroll72

[I]When I started out (it was with Beethoven's Op. 18 set, played by the Guarnieri SQ) I thought it sounded like everyone was slightly out of tune. As it turned out, they were not.

I had that problem also.

I think it is, but then again any sort of music is an acquired taste. The rewards are great, but it needs a bit of concentration.

When I got into Classical Music I was almost only listening to String Quartets. I started with Beethoven's late ones and then I realized that I discovered awesome music. I guess it was quite natural for me.
Either way, I really suggest that you try and "acquire" that taste. There's truly great music to find there!

On facebook I recommend a daily piece to my friends, and I have refrained from chamber music in general unless it's a piano piece that I have played before. I usually stick to orchestral things. Thanks for the input.

Schubert's quartets are highly recommended.

Originally Posted by peeyaj

Schubert's quartets are highly recommended.

He seems like he was enjoying it lol

Originally Posted by violadude

He seems like he was enjoying it lol

He he he..

I never expected Mr. Carter would enjoy that kind of music..