Born: September 7, 1906, Iaşi,Died: January 5, 1989 (age 82)
glossary
cadenza [I]—a solo, typically near the end of a movement, showing brilliant, virtuosic and improvisatory expression. An apotheosis. Related to "cadence" and "close". Usually found within concertos.
canon, kanon [G]—a strict form of polyphonic, contrapuntal imitation where a series of staggered parts share the same melodic material separated by time and possibly an interval creating both linear and horizontal counterpoint; a simple form of canon is a round (e.g. "Row, Row, Row your Boat")
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
quartet, quatuor [F], quartett [G], quartetto [I], cuarteto [S]—ensemble or work for four players the most important examples being the string quartet and the piano quartet
sonata, sonate, suonato—a complicated term. Originally, "sounded" rather than "sung" (sonar vs. cantar), e.g. instrumental music. According to historical period, sonata began to imply a formal plan of movements as well as the structure within a single movement, e.g. sonata form. In general usage as a work title, it designates a multi-movement piece for solo or duo instruments with one of the instruments enjoying a feature role.
string quartet, Streichquartett [G], quatuor à cordes [F], quartetto d'archi [I], quartetto di cordi [I], cuarteto de cuerda [S]—an ensemble as well as music written for that ensemble comprising 2 violins, viola and cello. This is one of the essential genres / forms / ensembles of chamber music and arguably a critical "core" of "classical" music. Explore the string quartet.