Why We Don't Do String Trio

Cloud 9 Quartet at Della Terra in Estes Park

Our goal is to deliver amazing sound and help make your event memorable. On one occasion, a wedding planner insisted that we hire a string trio for her client's special day. She assured us, "A string trio sounds just like a quartet but is more budget-friendly."

I am writing this blog to explain why we do not offer a string trio and seldom recommend a duo or a solo performance. Imagine attending a concert during the Beatles' era. You paid for a seat at Red Rocks Amphitheater to experience the "Fab Four". People are pumped up. Girls are shrieking like it's a fire drill as John, Ringo, and George strut onto the stage. But wait, where's Paul McCartney? Turns out, the concert promoter decided to save some cash by hiring the Three-tles, ha ha, instead of the Fab Four, thinking they could still rock all the tunes. Spoiler alert: they can play all the songs, but there's a little something missing... oh right, The Beatles! There is a significant distinction between the sound of a string quartet and that of a string solo, duo, or trio. Most composers who write for string instruments prefer four-voice writing, as three-voice writing often lacks the desired richness. To ensure we always deliver an exceptional sound, we have chosen to focus exclusively on performing as a string quartet.

Even for cozy venues with intimate audiences, we wholeheartedly recommend our vibrant string quartet! Our ensemble dazzles with an extensive repertoire of both classical and popular music. Through our rich experience, we've discovered that soloists, duos, and trios often fall short in truly capturing the essence of most classical and rock music pieces.

While our soloists excel in delivering virtuoso performances for intimate gatherings of ten or fewer people, the soloist plays only the melody without the back up harmony and rhythm. The volume is quite soft as well. One player cannot do justice to most pop songs.

Recently, I received a request for the song "Build A House" by The Cinematic Orchestra. The client asked if I thought it would sound good with one violinist. I explained that she should imagine the grand experience of The Cinematic Orchestra with over 50 musicians, but with only one musician playing. Again, envision going to a Maroon 5 concert, and it turns out to be Maroon 2!

This is why we always recommend our string quartet.