A Helpful Guide to Hiring Musicians

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Common Classical Ensembles

The following are the most frequently requested ensembles for classical music, together with our suggestions for their most effective uses.

String Quartet.

two violins, viola, cello
Often used at wedding ceremonies, for background music at parties and corporate events, dinners, etc. This ensemble is best suited for traditional classical repertoire by composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms; and other four-part music.

String Trio.

violin, viola, cello
popular for weddings, background music at parties, corporate events, dinners; similar in sound to a string quartet but with a slightly different repertoire and a smaller sound

Flute, Violin, Cello.

A configuration most popular for wedding ceremonies; uses are similar to that of a string trio, but the flute gives the ensemble a brighter, lighter sound.

Piano Trio.

piano, violin, cello
Music is mostly from the Romantic period (Brahms, Schumann, etc.); it is better used in a concert setting rather than as background music.

Flute & Harp.

Good for background music; nice, light sound with music mainly from the Baroque period (for example: J.S. Bach, Teleman, Vivaldi).

Violin & Cello.

Color and repertoire similar to that of a string trio, but best used in smaller group settings.

Flute & Guitar or Guitar Duo.

Flute & Violin or Flute & Cello.

For uses similar to those of trios, but can be used as backgroud for smaller groups of people.

Brass Quintet.

two trumpets, trombone, horn, tuba
Good for festive events, such as graduations, fanfares at weddings, etc. Also good for larger, or outdoor, events.

Brass Quartet.