A string octet is a piece of music written for eight string instruments, or sometimes the group of eight players.[1] It usually consists of four violins, two violas and two cellos, or four violins, two violas, a cello and a double bass.

First page of the autograph manuscript score of Mendelssohn's String Octet
One possible ensemble layout

Notable string octets edit

 
First page of the autograph manuscript score of Bruch's String Octet

Most frequently performed string octets include:

Other string octets include:

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Riemann, Hugo. Dictionary of Music. Trans. J.A. Shedlock. Augener, 1900. 550.