The World Book Encyclopedia defines chamber music as “a type of music written for small groups of musicians” – a quite simple definition for one of the most important forms of musical expression which has been around since the 18th century.  However, although the definition is correct, it is incomplete.

Chamber music is written for a small group of instruments, with no parts doubled and is performed without a conductor.  Chamber music was used as a vehicle for some of history’s greatest composers to create some of their most profound and intimate works. Chamber music has also been the source of new musical ideas and attitudes. Others used the medium as an outlet for fun, and many, such as Haydn and Mozart did both.  Beethoven however in his late years created some of the most challenging music for string quartets in the history of the genre. 

Although chamber music remained an intimate medium, chamber music gravitated to the concert halls, bringing a new level of musicianship to the genre. In the Baroque era, chamber music began with early trio sonatas with the string quartet developing during the classical era, mainly attributed to Haydn.  

String quartets are the most popular of combinations but there is tremendous variety in the groupings of instruments including piano trios, quartets and many combinations for wind and strings. It was during the 20th century that chamber music combinations for woodwinds and brass really developed with woodwind quintets by Carter, Neilson and Schuller and many others.  

In Cyprus, chamber music is primarily supported by the Pharos Trust and Ledra Music Soloists. Both hold chamber music festivals each year, with the Pharos Trust offering international artists and the Ledra Music Soloists a combination of local and international musicians.