Top Ten Things To Look For When Booking A String Quartet
Extremely portable and able to play many styles of music, a String Quartet can add a real touch of class to your wedding day. Many couples choose to have chamber music during the signing of the register, at the reception afterwards or to create a background ambience during the meal.
Although traditionally the repertoire of most string quartets was restricted to classical music, (with the odd light jazz number or Beatles favourite) just lately, more and more couples are opting for something truly unique. After all, why have classical music at all if it’s not what you normally listen to?
One of the latest trends is to have your favourite piece of music beautifully arranged for traditional string quartet – whether it’s a pop song, a rock ballad, or the song that was playing on your first date. Personalising your wedding music always makes the occasion really memorable and your guests will love it!
There are literally hundreds of string quartets out there, so here are a few pointers to picking a good one.
1. So, what are the signs of good musicians?
Fairly obviously – try to hear them play! Many quartet websites have a sample page where you can click and listen to a few tracks, or they may be happy to send you a demo CD. Do listen to several different quartets because even to a non musical person, the good ones will start to stand out after a while.
2. What will they play?
You might want to have something sedate and peaceful during the ceremony itself, but more upbeat lively pieces for the reception. Try to find a quartet who are happy to provide an extensive repertoire – after all, not all your guests will appreciate classical music! A quartet who can throw in a few ultra-modern chart hits or disco classics can get everyone tapping their toes.
3. Do all quartets offer modern music?
Many quartets are starting to offer modern music lately, but do check out the quality of the arrangement. A poorly written interpretation can sound quite dull and a bit lifeless. Again, ask to listen to samples of their more modern pieces and ask ‘does it sound lively and accurate?’
Quartets generally have a repertoire list you can choose from, look for musicians who offer all sorts of styles. If an ensemble list their modern selection as ‘Scott Joplin and Cole Porter’, they may not be prepared to offer Coldplay or Kylie.
4. How much does it cost?
In terms of cost, quartet quotes will vary hugely, and it goes without saying that you do pay for what you get. Remember you are booking four highly skilled, professional musicians who will have spent hours preparing and rehearsing your musical programme and who will be playing on priceless old instruments for several hours at a time. If a quartet are dramatically cheaper than everyone else, do ask yourself why.
5. How far ahead should I start looking?
Many quartets are booked up literally years ahead but you might find some who are happy to play at short notice. Bear in mind that you will probably have a more limited choice of repertoire if you’re booking them two weeks before the wedding! Having a piece of music hand crafted for you involves hours of careful listening and work – most quartets will ask for several weeks notice for this.
6. But I’ve seen sheet music available for pop music, can’t I just give this to my quartet?
In a word, no. Pop music is usually published for keyboard, voice and guitar so cannot be easily adjusted for a quartet. A good musical arranger will usually start from scratch, listening to the track and adapting the melody to sound right on stringed instruments. Extra phrases of music may need to be added, re-written slightly or played with until the different instruments compliment each other. Funnily enough, a straight ‘note – for – note’ copy of the original song can sound quite inaccurate and boring!
7. I want classical music, where do I begin?
Again the internet is a good place to search, or try the local library for CD’s of popular pieces. Listening to classic FM with a notepad to write down any pieces you like the sound of might also be a good place to start. Remember your quartet are also a resource – pick their brains about different pieces of music for the ambience you are looking for. Most musicians are highly knowledgeable and will be happy to help, in fact it may be difficult to shut them up once they get going!
8. Will I need to provide any special equipment for the quartet?
No, your quartet should bring their own music stands and sheet music. You’ll need to provide four chairs without arms and find a good position for them to sit. It’s likely that the instruments they bring will be extremely old and valuable, so you’ll need to shade your quartet from hot sun or rain if playing outside.
9. Can I save money by opting for a string trio rather than a full quartet?
Yes, many people choose to do this, but do bear in mind your repertoire will be much more limited and modern pieces won’t sound very good at all. If you’re looking for purely classical music, a trio can sound lovely.
10. There’s a piece of music I love but it’s not on my quartets repertoire.....
This should never be a barrier. You can always ask your musicians to source the piece for you and most will be happy to do this for you. Obviously if the piece you like is written for a full orchestra it won’t sound quite the same on four instruments, but do discuss the various options with your quartet.
Manor House Music are a String Quartet based in Buckinghamshire and available to play throughout England. They offer an extensive repertoire of classical, pop, rock, jazz or traditional music and specialise in arranging your favourite pieces of music for the big day.
If you have any queries or would like to hear them playing, click on www.manorhousemusic.co.uk
Regards
Roger Mayne
Surrey Weddings
Although traditionally the repertoire of most string quartets was restricted to classical music, (with the odd light jazz number or Beatles favourite) just lately, more and more couples are opting for something truly unique. After all, why have classical music at all if it’s not what you normally listen to?
One of the latest trends is to have your favourite piece of music beautifully arranged for traditional string quartet – whether it’s a pop song, a rock ballad, or the song that was playing on your first date. Personalising your wedding music always makes the occasion really memorable and your guests will love it!
There are literally hundreds of string quartets out there, so here are a few pointers to picking a good one.
1. So, what are the signs of good musicians?
Fairly obviously – try to hear them play! Many quartet websites have a sample page where you can click and listen to a few tracks, or they may be happy to send you a demo CD. Do listen to several different quartets because even to a non musical person, the good ones will start to stand out after a while.
2. What will they play?
You might want to have something sedate and peaceful during the ceremony itself, but more upbeat lively pieces for the reception. Try to find a quartet who are happy to provide an extensive repertoire – after all, not all your guests will appreciate classical music! A quartet who can throw in a few ultra-modern chart hits or disco classics can get everyone tapping their toes.
3. Do all quartets offer modern music?
Many quartets are starting to offer modern music lately, but do check out the quality of the arrangement. A poorly written interpretation can sound quite dull and a bit lifeless. Again, ask to listen to samples of their more modern pieces and ask ‘does it sound lively and accurate?’
Quartets generally have a repertoire list you can choose from, look for musicians who offer all sorts of styles. If an ensemble list their modern selection as ‘Scott Joplin and Cole Porter’, they may not be prepared to offer Coldplay or Kylie.
4. How much does it cost?
In terms of cost, quartet quotes will vary hugely, and it goes without saying that you do pay for what you get. Remember you are booking four highly skilled, professional musicians who will have spent hours preparing and rehearsing your musical programme and who will be playing on priceless old instruments for several hours at a time. If a quartet are dramatically cheaper than everyone else, do ask yourself why.
5. How far ahead should I start looking?
Many quartets are booked up literally years ahead but you might find some who are happy to play at short notice. Bear in mind that you will probably have a more limited choice of repertoire if you’re booking them two weeks before the wedding! Having a piece of music hand crafted for you involves hours of careful listening and work – most quartets will ask for several weeks notice for this.
6. But I’ve seen sheet music available for pop music, can’t I just give this to my quartet?
In a word, no. Pop music is usually published for keyboard, voice and guitar so cannot be easily adjusted for a quartet. A good musical arranger will usually start from scratch, listening to the track and adapting the melody to sound right on stringed instruments. Extra phrases of music may need to be added, re-written slightly or played with until the different instruments compliment each other. Funnily enough, a straight ‘note – for – note’ copy of the original song can sound quite inaccurate and boring!
7. I want classical music, where do I begin?
Again the internet is a good place to search, or try the local library for CD’s of popular pieces. Listening to classic FM with a notepad to write down any pieces you like the sound of might also be a good place to start. Remember your quartet are also a resource – pick their brains about different pieces of music for the ambience you are looking for. Most musicians are highly knowledgeable and will be happy to help, in fact it may be difficult to shut them up once they get going!
8. Will I need to provide any special equipment for the quartet?
No, your quartet should bring their own music stands and sheet music. You’ll need to provide four chairs without arms and find a good position for them to sit. It’s likely that the instruments they bring will be extremely old and valuable, so you’ll need to shade your quartet from hot sun or rain if playing outside.
9. Can I save money by opting for a string trio rather than a full quartet?
Yes, many people choose to do this, but do bear in mind your repertoire will be much more limited and modern pieces won’t sound very good at all. If you’re looking for purely classical music, a trio can sound lovely.
10. There’s a piece of music I love but it’s not on my quartets repertoire.....
This should never be a barrier. You can always ask your musicians to source the piece for you and most will be happy to do this for you. Obviously if the piece you like is written for a full orchestra it won’t sound quite the same on four instruments, but do discuss the various options with your quartet.
Manor House Music are a String Quartet based in Buckinghamshire and available to play throughout England. They offer an extensive repertoire of classical, pop, rock, jazz or traditional music and specialise in arranging your favourite pieces of music for the big day.
If you have any queries or would like to hear them playing, click on www.manorhousemusic.co.uk
Regards
Roger Mayne
Surrey Weddings
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