Title: The string quartet, 1750-1797 : four types of musical conversation /
Authors: Parker, Mara, 1957-
Publisher: Ashgate,
Year: 2002
Subjects: String quartet
Abstract: "Looking at a wide variety of string quartets by composers such as Pleyel, Distler and Filtz, in addition to Haydn and Mozart, the book proposes a new way of describing the relationships between the four instruments in different works. Broadly speaking, these relationships follow one of four patterns: the 'lecture', the 'polite conversation', the 'debate', and the 'conversation'. In focusing on these musical discourses, it becomes apparent that each work is the product of its composer's stylistic choices, location, intended performers and intended audience.