Composing/Arranging for a String Quartet?

Question

I've been taking arranging and composing classes at the college I'm attending and I have recently been tasked with writing a piece for a string quartet. I would like to know in general, what should someone be aware of while composing/arranging a piece for a string quartet?

Answer 1

Hello, I am not a string player myself, but some things to keep in mind would definitely be the ranges of each instrument (which can easily be found online). In general, I have been told that string players prefer to see sharps written in the music as opposed to flats (if written as accidentals). There are also some intervals that are somewhat difficult for string players to play as double-stops; 5ths and 2nds I believe are the most difficult in some situations. Because orchestral string instruments use bows, this would also be important to consider for articulation purposes; very long notes will likely have to be re-articulated (although very subtly) due to the nature of bowing (string players will eventually run out of space to bow as they continue to move in one direction). All of the string instruments in a quartet (violins, viola, cello) have considerably large ranges, but you might also consider the unique sounds/timbres of each of these instruments in their specific ranges if there is a particular sound you are looking for. This is true for the different types of articulations as well, as each type will likely give a different sound to the music. A good general guide for writing for strings can be found here: https://tamingthesaxophone.com/composition-strings. Hopefully this helps!

Answer 2

The tradition of string quartet composition is one of great virtuosity and the literature is filled with outstanding examples of this. I think one of the main ideas to keep in mind is that you have four very flexible instruments capable of virtuosic speed as well as the ability to sustain indefinitely and a great variety of colors in many kinds of bowings and pizzicatos. You also have a very expansive range in terms of pitch and expressivity. So, there are few limitations on what can be written for the ensemble technically, stylistically and emotionally. Having said that, it is, of course, necessary to understand the the how the instruments produce sound and what is awkward.

I would suggest that you listen to some quartets from composers in different centuries to get some sense of the possibilities...and when you do this notice the variety of textures that a string quartet can produce. Much creativity in this medium has gone into being innovative with textures. You might consider this in your own composition.

Feel free to ask a follow up question.

Stephen

Answer 3

You will need to know the ranges of the three instruments and their open strings (vln GDAE; vla CGDA; vcl: CGDA an octave below the viola). You'll need to be able to read and write in alto clef (for the viola) and maybe tenor clef (for the cello if it plays high in its range).

You should have a basic idea of how string instruments are played: the difference between arco (bowed) and pizzicato (plucked); the difference between downbow and upbow; and for best results some idea of the range of different types of bowing techniques.

You should know how a string quartet rehearses: how a chamber music group rehearses and performs without a conductor.

Best advice: ask some string players to demonstrate how their instruments are played, and ask if you can be a fly on the wall at a string quartet rehearsal. Next best advice: listen to a lot of string quartets, with score in hand if possible.

Best of luck!