Some of history’s greatest composers chose it as the medium in which to express their most profound and intimate musical thoughts.

The usual definition of "chamber music" is music written for and performed by a small ensemble, with one performer on a part, usually without conductor.

Typically, people think of chamber music for ensembles of 3-8 instruments.

Chamber music repertoire spans four centuries, beginning with early Baroque composers such as Rameau, Telemann and Bach.

Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han in concert at Chamber Music Northwest, October 11, 2003, at Kaul Auditorium, Reed College, Portland, Oregon

At Chamber Music Northwest, we embrace a broad definition of chamber music, and are committed to presenting a wide variety of ensembles and repertoire, to present the art-form of chamber music at its fullest and richest.

A typical CMNW concert might include a mix of styles and eras -- perhaps the premiere of a piano trio by a contemporary composer, a Telemann trio sonata for oboes and bassoon from 18th century Germany, and Copland’s "Appalachian Spring," an American composition from 1944, in the original version for 13 instruments without conductor.

For more information, see "chamber music" on Wikipedia.org, the free, open-content encyclopedia in many languages.

- David Shifrin, Artistic Director
- Linda Magee, Executive Director

The Brentano String Quartet — Misha Amory, viola, and Nina Maria Lee, cello, shown here — performed at Chamber Music Northwest July, 2003.

Chamber music flourished in the 18th-19th centuries, with numerous works written in the Classical and Romantic eras for various common instrumental grouping including the string quartet, piano trio, and combinations of winds and/or strings.

In the 20th century, in addition to the continuation of Classical traditions, there was growing experimentation with more unusual combinations of instruments, and chamber music continues to emerge in new compositional forms and more diverse styles.

(R-L) Clarinetist David Shifrin and pianist André-Michel Schub in concert performing music of Poulenc, Milhaud, Weber, Chen Yi and Brahms at Chamber Music Northwest March 25, 2004 at Kaul Auditorium, Reed College.