Hi Eliana,
To address your question about the difference between the String Trio and String Quartet:
The String Quartet consists of 2 Violins, both of whom are peforming diffferent parts. Also in the quartet are a Violist, (this is a slightly larger and richer/deeper toned variation of the violin) as well as the Cello which essentially provides the bass/bottom notes of the music in the string quartet.
The String Trio can consist of
1. A fully mixed trio which is:
Violin, Viola and Cello...thus you have the blend of 3 different string tones with one that is of soprano/violin, one that is alto/viola and one that is essentially the bass/cello. OR:
2. Trio of Two Violins and Cello which will be a brighter sound
You will achieve the fuller quality with the additional violinist in the String Quartet however the mixed String Trio works very well in and of itself and we have performed at many ceremonies (including the wedding ceremony of Jerry Seinfeld!) with this particular ensemble.
To accompany a Soprano/singer, we have arrangements which work beautifully with the accompaniment of either the full string quartet or of either style string trio.
What I recommend is that if you can get to a showcase where you know a String Quartet will be performing, is that you ask them to perform for you in each of the above-mentioned combinations, from full String Quartet to String Trio of both types.
And when you do this I recommend that they perform the same piece of music.
We have done this at our showcases when presenting a String Quartet and it has been very helpful to brides and grooms to hear the varying possible sounds/to compare and has helped them to decide what sound and ensemble (trio, quartet or duet, and in some cases...solo) best appeals.
One other factor is the size and accoustic quality of your church or ceremony location.
If there are very high ceilings and there is much reverberance, any size ensemble will suffice, provided that the musicians are skilled wth performing in various rooms and that they understand how to accommodate themselves to the accoustics of the church or room. This is something that only highly skilled and very experienced professional and classically trained musicians do know how to do, instantaneously.
I hope this has been of some help to you!
With Best Wishes,
Natalie Capriccio Ensemble
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