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Why We Don't Do String Trio

Writer's picture: Danny LeavittDanny Leavitt

Updated: Jan 28



Cloud 9 Quartet at Della Terra in Estes Park
Cloud 9 Quartet at Della Terra in Estes Park

We do our best to bend over backwards for all requests when it’s showtime. We aim to sound fabulous and help make your event unforgettable. Once, a wedding planner was adamant that we hire a string trio for her client’s big day. She confidently declared, "A string trio sounds just like a quartet but is easier on the wallet."


I am composing this blog to elucidate why we do not offer a string trio or duo and seldom recommend a solo performance. Imagine attending a concert during the era of the Beatles. You paid $25 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 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 to compose for four voices, as three voices often lack 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.



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