Pekka Kuusisto - a Finnish classical violinist.
Chamber music, what is it?
Chamber music had its origins hundreds of years ago, back in a time when music was played by families in their homes, sometimes around a piano, or by a string group comprising the family members. Technically, chamber music is any form of music (usually classical) played with only one instrument to a part, unlike an orchestra where you might have 12 violins playing just one part of the composition. Normally there would be two or more instruments, but solo piano can be included due to its popularity.
What instruments might you find in a chamber music group?
Chamber music groups include: string quartets, piano trios (piano, violin and cello), solo instruments (such as violin, flute, cello, voice) plus piano, or even chamber orchestras with 15 or so players. There really aren’t any hard and fast rules apart from the fact that there is only one instrument per part.
What is so special about it?
Chamber music is like listening to and being part of an intimate conversation with friends – every part can be heard and savoured. Being part of such an intimate experience can be intensely satisfying and that’s one reason chamber music has acquired a devoted following. One of the joys of chamber music is being part of the experience. You get to watch the musicians communicate with each other, with the audience and with the composition, you’re close enough to hear them breathe, and to see the notes on the page, you as an audience member are part of it, you aren’t just a spectator.
Who composed for chamber music groups?
Just about every composer composed some music for chamber groups, with the most often heard being Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Handel, Haydn and Brahms. Modern composers also write wonderful chamber music, some requiring even more intense listening.
Where can I learn more?
Australia has some wonderful organisations that promote and perform chamber music. These include Musica Viva Australia, Australian String Quartet, Southern Cross Soloists and Australian Festival of Chamber Music. Libraries such as the State Library, The Queensland Conservatorium and University of Queensland can give the public access to resources, texts and recordings of music. Some of the world's best chamber musicians and groups include: Pekka Kuusisto, Steven Isserlis, Takács Quartet, Eggner Trio, Tokyo String Quartet.
Remember nothing beats the live experience. Almost every week you will find a concert somewhere in Brisbane that features chamber music.
What about etiquette?
Check out the article Classical music comes out as it gives lots of good information on what to do at a classical concert. You may find you enjoy the experience more if you do a little bit of preparation. Some companies will give you an electronic copy of the program in advance for free and this can give you a good idea of what to expect from the concert.
