Music accompanies us throughout life: scientists have proven that even in the womb, the child begins to perceive music, is able to respond to it. And the best choice for listening is the classic. She is easily perceived and not annoying.
At school, children learn the basics of classical music, including concepts such as a duet, trio or quartet. However, not everyone knows what music is called by a large group of musicians. What is an octet in music? How many people are required for such an ensemble?
What it is?
In itself, this word is translated from Latin as the number "eight." This term is widely used in areas such as chemistry, computer science, and music.
In music, this concept began to be widely used only in the 19th century, although many works of chamber music were written in the form of octets.
Using an octet in music
An octet is a concept used to refer to a work written for eight musical instruments or singers. Moreover, the tools do not have to be different. So, the very first play, called an octet, was written by the Prussian prince and was supposed to be performed by two violins, a pair of horns, two cellos and a piano with flute. There are compositions written for 8 identical instruments. For example, one of the 20th century Brazilian composers wrote a play for 8 cellos.
Another meaning of the term is an ensemble (vocal or instrumental), consisting of eight musicians.
In general, such ensembles are quite rare, therefore, for the performance of various works written for eight voices or instruments, four duets or two quartets can be combined for a while.
Who wrote works for eight musicians?
Classical musical works, the performance of which requires a relatively small number of people (up to ten), are called chamber music. And an octet is a form of chamber musical art. Compositions for performance by a group of eight people at different times were written by: Anton Rubinstein, Dmitry Shostakovich, Igor Stravinsky, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Schubert, Joseph Haydn and many other eminent composers.
In addition to the classics, a group of eight musicians can be found in other directions. This composition includes jazz groups and even rock bands. For example, the octet is the Swedish avant-garde metal band Diablo Swing Orchestra and the American rock band Guns N 'Roses.