A small group of instruments and musicians that would fit into a palace chamber gave rise to this form of classical music.

As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe put it, it is a musical conversation played by several musicians,each carrying its own within that conversation. Chamber music does not have a solo player since a solo performance excludes the possibility of a conversation.

Due to its intimate nature, for decades, chamber music was played for friends by amateurs.

Today, when chamber music is played in concert halls, it still carries its original intent of personal pleasure shared by friends.