A
string quartet, simply, is a
composition for
four solo
string instruments, most commonly
two violins, a
viola and a
cello.
Haydn was perhaps the first to popularize the quartet, as well as establishing a four movement structure.
Mozart equalled Haydn in compositional finesse and creativity, but it was, arguably,
Beethoven's works which truly defined the concept and the style. His late string quartets are (still) considered by various musicians, critics and even laymen to be the most beautiful, complex, intriguing pieces of music ever written.
His late works,
opus #127, #130, #131, #132 and #135, all show vast
contrapunctal variety - seen previously in
Bach's work - and a huge range of texture, creativity and compositorial excellence.
I recommedend you find the string quartet opus 130, stick it in whatever machine you own and
blow your mind away...