String quintet repertoire

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The string quintet normally comprises the four instruments of the standard string quartet (2 violins, viola, and cello), plus one additional instrument. This additional instrument may be a viola, cello or double bass. Of these three different combinations, the string quintet with a second viola has the widest repertoire and may be referred to as the standard string quintet. The other two combinations have far fewer important works, though the combination with two cellos includes the string quintet by Schubert, which is widely considered the greatest of all string quintets.

Contents

Ordering in each section is by surname of composer. These lists should be complete for major composers and their string quintets. For secondary or minor composers, the lists are not exhaustive but those shown may be taken as representative examples. For recent or living composers, no attempt has been made at completeness.

"Viola" quintets

String quintets with 2 violins, 2 violas and cello

"Cello" quintets

String quintets with 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos

"Double bass" quintets

String quintets with two violins, viola, cello and double bass

See also

Sources

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