Changes

'''Chamber music''' can be defined as music designed to be played in a room or other small venue by two or more instrumental soloists, one to a part, the parts usually of about equal importance. The upper limit of the number of players is fluid but is normally considered to be about ten.

'''Chamber music''' can be defined as music designed to be played in a room or other small venue by two or more instrumental soloists, one to a part, the parts usually of about equal importance. The upper limit of the number of players is fluid but is normally considered to be about ten.

The term has meant different things at different times. From the earliest times, music has been written for small ensembles, and [[consort]]s. Before the advent of public concerts in the second half of the 17th century, organised music-making took place in the theatre, in church, or in the royal or aristocratic salons, halls and chambers and could refer to any small ensemble, vocal as well as instrumental. So we have the term ''"sonata da camera"'' ("chamber sonata") for instance to distinguish it from the ''"sonata da chiesa"'' ("church sonata") both of which had evolved and melded by this time into what is now generally referred to as the ''[[trio sonata]]'', where two instruments played melody parts with a ''“continuo”'' of another two instruments – [[harpsichord]], theorbo (bass [[lute]]) [[cello]] etc – supplying the rhythm and bass. The two part sonata, usually [[violin]] and ''continuo'', although flute or other woodwind was common, was also popular.  

The term has meant different things at different times. From the earliest times, music has been written for small ensembles, and [[consort]]s. Before the advent of public concerts in the second half of the 17th century, organised music-making took place in the theatre, in church, or in the royal or aristocratic salons, halls and chambers and could refer to any small ensemble, vocal as well as instrumental. So we have the term ''"sonata da camera"'' ("chamber sonata") for instance to distinguish it from the ''"sonata da chiesa"'' ("church sonata") both of which had evolved and melded by this time into what is now generally referred to as the ''[[trio sonata]]'', where two instruments played melody parts with a ''“continuo”'' of another two instruments – [[harpsichord]], theorbo (bass [[lute]]) [[cello]] etc. – supplying the rhythm and bass. The two part sonata, usually [[violin]] and ''continuo'', although flute or other woodwind was common, was also popular.  

Modern chamber music was born with the [[Classical period (music)|classical era]] after about 1750. More to the point it could be said have been born with [[Joseph Haydn]] who developed the four instrument trio sonata into the '''string quartet''' we know today, where the continuo was done away with and each instrument – two violins, [[viola]] and cello – had equal roles in the intimate interplay of the piece. Whilst the string quartet has followed the changing musical styles of the eras since its inception, the form as written today is exactly the same as that written by Haydn or Mozart. Very few notable composers have not written for this combination and it has been used by many as their most intimate form of expression.

Modern chamber music was born with the [[Classical period (music)|classical era]] after about 1750. More to the point it could be said have been born with [[Joseph Haydn]] who developed the four instrument trio sonata into the '''string quartet''' we know today, where the continuo was done away with and each instrument – two violins, [[viola]] and cello – had equal roles in the intimate interplay of the piece. Whilst the string quartet has followed the changing musical styles of the eras since its inception, the form as written today is exactly the same as that written by Haydn or Mozart. Very few notable composers have not written for this combination and it has been used by many as their most intimate form of expression.