Traditionally, chamber music was written for a small group of musicians playing in a modest and intimate setting such as a home. As chamber music was played in small rooms, it really only allowed for one player per part, and no conductor.
Aside from the environment in which chamber music is played, not a whole lot has changed since the middle ages. Chamber music is still loved by audiences all around the world and is performed in venues of all shapes and sizes.
For the National Chamber Music Championship, chamber groups can vary in size from 3 to 8 players, with each musician singing or playing one instrument for each part of music that is written with no conductor, or adult accompanist.
Why Chamber Music?
There are countless reasons why people love chamber music, but for the Penny Quartet, it is the freedom of expression and the time spent with friends that are at the top of the list.
We spoke with Anthony and Madeleine of the Penny Quartet who attribute the connections that can be made in playing chamber music, be it with fellows musicians or the audience, as a major factor in why they continue to love playing this music.