Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'quartet'

English Word: quartet

Key Russian Translations:

• квартет /kvɐrˈtɛt/ - [Formal, Music context; Used in discussions of classical or ensemble music]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in musical contexts, literature, and cultural discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun declensions and music-related vocabulary, though pronunciation of the 'р' sound may pose a challenge for some.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

квартет: /kvɐrˈtɛt/

Note on квартет: The stress falls on the second syllable ('тɛт'), and the 'р' is a trilled sound, which can be difficult for English speakers. Practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A group of four musicians performing together

Translation(s) & Context:

• квартет - Used in formal or artistic settings, such as concerts or music education, to refer to a quartet ensemble.

Usage Examples:

• Вчера мы посетили концерт струнного квартета в филармонии.

  Yesterday, we attended a string quartet concert at the philharmonic.

• Квартет из Москвы выиграл международный конкурс.

  The quartet from Moscow won the international competition.

• Этот квартет исполняет произведения Бетховена с большим мастерством.

  This quartet performs Beethoven's works with great skill.

• В джазовом квартете ударные инструменты играют ключевую роль.

  In a jazz quartet, percussion instruments play a key role.

Meaning 2: A musical composition written for four voices or instruments

Translation(s) & Context:

• квартет - Applied in contexts like music theory or performance, emphasizing the composition rather than the group.

Usage Examples:

• Квартет Шостаковича часто исполняется на фестивалях классической музыки.

  Shostakovich's quartet is often performed at classical music festivals.

• В этом квартете сочетаются элементы фольклора и современного стиля.

  This quartet combines elements of folklore and modern style.

• Композитор написал квартет для скрипки, виолончели, альта и фортепиано.

  The composer wrote a quartet for violin, cello, viola, and piano.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Квартет is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard second declension pattern. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ансамбль (ansamblʹ) - A more general term for a musical group, often interchangeable in broader contexts; квартетик (kvartetik) - A diminutive form, used for a small or informal quartet.
• Antonyms: соло (solo) - Refers to a single performer, contrasting with a group performance; оркестр (orkestr) - A larger ensemble, highlighting scale differences.

Related Phrases:

• Струнный квартет - String quartet; A common phrase in classical music contexts, referring to ensembles with string instruments.
• Джазовый квартет - Jazz quartet; Used for modern music settings, emphasizing improvisation and rhythm.
• Квартет для фортепиано - Piano quartet; Describes a specific type of composition or group including piano.

Usage Notes:

Квартет directly corresponds to the English "quartet" in musical contexts, but it's primarily formal and tied to artistic or educational settings in Russian. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the noun to agree in case with surrounding words, e.g., in prepositional phrases like "в квартете" (in the quartet). When choosing this translation, prioritize it for music-related topics; for non-musical groups of four, alternatives like "группа из четырёх" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of context to avoid confusion with other ensemble types.

• Grammar tip: As a masculine noun, it takes masculine adjectives, e.g., "великий квартет" (great quartet).
• Regional note: In Russian-speaking cultures, квартет is often associated with classical traditions, so usage might vary in informal or pop music discussions.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is confusing the declension, such as using the nominative form "квартет" in all cases (e.g., saying "с квартет" instead of "с квартетом" for "with the quartet"). Correct usage: Incorrect: "Я играю с квартет" (wrong case); Correct: "Я играю с квартетом". Another error is overgeneralizing it to any group of four, which can lead to misuse; instead, reserve it for musical contexts to maintain accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "квартет" is deeply rooted in the tradition of classical music, influenced by composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. It often evokes images of intimate chamber music performances, which were popular in 19th- and 20th-century Russia as a form of intellectual and social gathering. This reflects the historical emphasis on music as a refined art form in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• ансамбль
• трио
• оркестр
• соната