String sextet

In classical music, a string sextet is a composition written for six string instruments, or a group of six musicians who perform such a composition. Most string sextets have been written for an ensemble consisting of two violins, two violas, and two cellos.

For the ballet by Ángel Corella, see String Sextet.
Example ensemble layout

Notable string sextets

Among the earliest works in this form are the nine string sextets Op. 23 by Luigi Boccherini, written in 1776. Other notable string sextets include the String Sextets Op. 18 and 36 by Brahms, Dvořák's Op. 48, Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, Schoenberg's Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4, Erich Wolfgang Korngold Op. 10, Erwin Schulhoff's String Sextet of 1924, and Charles Wuorinen's String Sextet of 1989.

Less usual combinations

More unusual combinations for a string sextet:

Selected list of string sextets

See also

References
  1. (list of selected sextets for) 3 violins, viola, 2 cellos imslp.org, accessed 7 October 2020
  2. (list of selected sextets for) 3 violins, 2 violas, cello imslp.org, accessed 7 October 2020
  3. (list of selected sextets for) 2 violins, 2 violas, cello, double bass imslp.org, accessed 7 October 2020
  4. (list of selected sextets for) 2 violins, viola, 2 cellos, double bass imslp.org, accessed 7 October 2020

Further reading
  • The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians ed. S. Sadie (London: Macmillan, 1980)
  • Naxos Music Library (www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com)
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