Need some really quick help

Just need a few things before I write this piece I wanna write.

I want to write a quartet for Piano, Cello, Violin and Viola but before I do that I need to know three things:

1. Is a symphony only for a full orchestra, or if you write several movements for this quartet could it also be considered a symphony?

2. Are all the string instruments listed here in the key of 'C'?

3. Does the viola only read alto clef or could I cheat it and write it in treble? I could always transpose it but it would be easier not to :whistling:

thanks!

Mathieu

1. Generally, yes. I mean, you can title it whatever you want, but a symphony SHOULD be for an orchestra or some kind of large ensemble, definitely not just a quartet...

2. Yes.

3. Write it in alto clef. I know it's a pain at first to be thinking in alto clef but once you start writing in it, it gets easy pretty quickly.

1. there's been synmphony for strings and symphony for winds, for example, but usually it is a SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, after all.

2. Vague question but all strings are non transposed instruments.

3. Write in whichever clef you want. Make sure you transpose before you deliver the score. The alto clef is there for a reason: To avoid ledger lines. Providing a score in the tremble clef where all the notes are bellow the middle C seems redundant, doesn't it? ;)

2. Strings almost never transpose (unless you use scordatura or something, and even then, not often).

3. jcharney is right in that violists almost always prefer alto to treble clef, so if performers don't specifically ask for treble, I would go with alto. (You could also write it in treble, then switch it.) Treble is reserved for high parts.

so what would you call a "large work" for a quartet? just a regular title like "the little bunny" or something? or is there a proper name for it?

How about "String Quartet"? It worked for lots of other composers...

heheh okay :P thanks for your help

*runs off and starts writing*

If you use these instruments, it's not a string quartet, but a piano quartet.

2. The only transposing string is the double bass, which sounds an octave lower than what is written on the score.

3. You would use the treble clef to avoid ledger lines when using the upper tessitura of the viola. Otherwise, use the alto clef (not to mention that it's more beautiful). :)

also, if you're writing so the piano is an actual soloist as well and not just an accompaniment to fill in for the orchestra that "isn't there", it's a work of substantial length, and uses formal organization, you could call it a sonata for piano quartet.

I have a suspicion, however, that if you're asking whether strings transpose or not, that something that large in scale is currently above you.

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I have a suspicion, however, that if you're asking whether strings transpose or not, that something that large in scale is currently above you.

what is this suppose to mean? that i'm not capable of having a good idea for a piece to write? And, just out of curiosity.. using this same logic, could I not write a piece for any other instrument I don't play/have a question about? Because if so then you sir, are very wrong. I can't write for orchestra but I can damn well hear it.

what is this suppose to mean? that i'm not capable of having a good idea for a piece to write? And, just out of curiosity.. using this same logic, could I not write a piece for any other instrument I don't play/have a question about? Because if so then you sir, are very wrong. I can't write for orchestra but I can damn well hear it.

/me smiles at the irony of Matt's signature and the response.

blunt or not blunt, I don't care who you are but if you say that someone can't hear a song in their head just because of their actual composing ability is totally wrong. I use to sing melodies that I couldn't even play. I would hear a whole symphony, but I dont know how to write it. My 7 year old sister can see and describe how to make an amazing sculpture, but she can't do it because we don't have the materials.

So yeah, be blunt, but don't be idiotic.

People can't read but they can speak. According to your logic, if I can't read and write I can't speak.

Umm, you mis-interpret. Way to go.

My statement didn't come from writing for strings. You should, by the way, also spend some time studying proper string instrument usage to make sure you don't write things that are impossible, but I was saying that you probably weren't ready to tackle a sonata for piano quartet, as that sort of intricate, sensitive, and demanding writing is beyond most professional composers.

Have fun jumping to conclusions.

I know it's above my ability.. so i'll trust myself and go for it. I can play the violin part on piano, so I can write it down. If I can play that, then I can play the rest (with the exception being the piano part, i'm not that proficient, but if I can play it slow then someone else can do it faster :P )

And it is fun jumping to conclusions when the person writing it doesn't word their wording very clearly.

Also, I've played a lot of violin etudes on the saxophone, so I know their limits.. how fast/slow/high/low they can go etc. I just didn't know if the viola always read in alto clef.

The last thing I mentioned was a sonata for piano quartet. I then stated that a piece of that scope may be above your level. I don't see that as being condescending or difficult to understand.

Just remember there's a big difference between writing for violin and writing for an instrument in a violin's range. I look forward to hearing your piece (and I'm not being sarcastic)

okay, i'll try not to disappoint :P

If you use these instruments, it's not a string quartet, but a piano quartet.

Yes, you're right, I was just too lazy to reread the original post, so I got the instruments mixed up. :P