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General

While we prefer to perform as a quartet when possible, if one of our members has a prior commitment, we perform as a trio.  Before Haydn’s quartets, the “trio sonata” was common—a string quartet minus the viola.  When we perform as a trio, our arrangements cover those missing viola parts so that our sound is still full and resonant.  Our performance rates remain unchanged whether we perform as a trio or a quartet, because a trio performance is more difficult.

 

The “father” or “inventor” of the string quartet was Franz Joseph Haydn, an Austrian.  He established the instrumentation noted above, and began composing selections for that grouping of instruments about 1757.  By 1803, he had composed a total of 68 such selections (also referred to as “string quartets.”)  From that time to this, many others have composed and arranged music for the string quartet. 

The ensemble consists of two violins, a viola (which looks like a big violin), and a cello.  Each of the instruments has four strings, has no frets, and is generally played by drawing a bow across the strings.  The bigger the instrument, the lower the notes it can play.  So the resulting harmony is similar to a four-part choir singing soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts.  The string quartet can approximate  the effect of a mini-orchestra.         

1.  What is a string quartet?

2.  Where did the idea of a string quartet come from in the first place?

3.  Do you ever perform as a trio?

4.  How does the quartet dress?

Cello, Violins, Viola

Our attire is formal.  Our male cellist wears a tuxedo with tails.  For most weddings, the women wear dressy, matching ivory blouses and long black moiré taffeta skirts.  At parties and receptions we often wear identical long evening dresses.  Upon request, we have Christmas outfits for holiday festivities.

5.  What performance requirements do you have?

· We ask that you provide 4 chairs without arms—folding chairs are fine.

· We provide our own beautiful and unique music stands. (pictured at left)

· An area about 10 by 10 feet is ideal, but we can sometimes squeeze into a smaller space.

· For out-of-town events, we request written travel directions.

· For weddings, we need to be placed at the front of the church to the bride’s left as she stands facing the minister.

· During parties or receptions, we take a brief break at the top of each hour.

 

 

6.  Do you perform outdoors?

There is an additional charge for an outdoor performance, listed on our “Performance Rates” page.  While some of our experiences playing outside have been lovely, many of them have been fraught with difficulty.  Our primary concern is for the safety of our instruments—sun bubbles the varnish and heat can loosen the glue at the seams.  Precipitation damages a wooden instrument.  The outdoor environment can also be detrimental to a performance.  High West Texas winds have on occasion blown our bows off the strings during the middle of a bridal processional.  And performing for a while in extremely hot or chilly temperatures

negatively impacts each player’s ability.  After one very hot summer, we considered no longer performing outdoors.  But following some debate, we decided upon the additional charge.  We also now provide our own canopy if we feel it is needed.  In any event, we must be seated in full shade, particularly in the summer.       

Weddings

1.  Do I have to choose music for the prelude?

So that your guests are seated to beautiful music, we begin playing about 30 minutes prior to your ceremony.  We program this half hour ourselves since we are familiar with the length of each selection, and we generally include extra music in the event that there is any delay in the beginning of your ceremony.  Because we may need to insert those additional pieces, we suggest that you do not print the prelude selections in your wedding program.  However, if there are certain songs in our repertoire which you want to be sure are included in the prelude, please let us know.  We will make certain to include those selections and other similar pieces in your prelude music.

2.  How many pieces should I choose for the ceremony? 

For most weddings, brides make selections for any of the following which apply to their ceremony:

· Seating of the Grandmothers and the Mothers

· Processional for the Bridesmaids (minister, groomsmen, groom, bridesmaids, ring bearer, and flower girls enter to this selection)

· Bridal Processional

· Lighting of the Unity Candle

· Communion

· Recessional (exit of entire bridal party, mothers, and grandmothers)

· Postlude (if needed)

 

3.  What other factors are important in my choice of music? 

· Some denominations do not allow particular selections during a wedding ceremony.  For example, the “Bridal Chorus” (“Here Comes the Bride”) and the “Wedding March” (traditional recessional) are not performed in  Catholic and Episcopalian churches.

· We do not accompany vocalists at weddings.  Brides who would like to include a vocalist usually arrange for a pianist to accompany the singer.

· The quartet does not have music for mass.  Most often a musician from the church performs during mass.

4.  How will you know when to start and stop the music throughout my wedding?

One of the members of the quartet will attend your wedding rehearsal in order to play the music as each group of people comes down the aisle.  In so doing, she will time each selection you have chosen so that it will coordinate with all bridal party entrances and exits.

5.  Can you play for my reception also?

Yes, we frequently play for the entire wedding reception.  In other cases, a bride may wish for us to perform during a cocktail hour or during dinner, and then hire a disc jockey or band to finish out the evening with dancing.  In either case, there is a substantial discount for our services once you have hired us for your wedding.  Please refer to the “Performance Rates” page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Concluding Questions

1.  Can you play music which is not currently in your repertoire?

If you would like a special piece of music that we do not already have, we will search for a string quartet arrangement of the piece or write an arrangement for the quartet.  In either case, we must charge an additional fee.  We ask that we have the arrangement in hand three months prior to the performance.  However, performance of any new repertoire is subject to our scheduling demands.

2.  How far in advance should I book the quartet?

Some people book us more than a year in advance.  So it is best to call as soon as you are certain of your date.  Our busiest seasons are usually late spring and summer (for weddings) and later in the year when we play for Christmas parties and weddings.  Nevertheless, there are times when we can accommodate last minute bookings, so please don’t hesitate to call. 

3.  Do you need a deposit to reserve a particular date?

We require a deposit of 50% down to reserve a date and time for any performance.  Once we receive your check, we will mail you an invoice listing the event, location, date, and time in detail.  The balance of your payment is due on or before two weeks prior to the performance.  We always book on a “first come, first served” basis. 

The Vienna Conspiracy

2427 Interstate 40 West

Amarillo, Texas 79109

To contact us:

Phone: (806) 576-6019