What makes a quartet’s arrangements traditional?
Another blogger I highly respect commented in a recent post on this blog that I have a very narrow view of what makes quartet arrangements traditional. I believe this was in response to my view that Gold City’s recent arrangements have been on the progressive end of the spectrum.
In my view, a few characteristics of a traditional quartet arrangement is that it will highlight the vocals and feature the piano in accompaniment, even if there are other instruments. It will typically not have a country twang, a contemporary twist, or an inaudible bass part. It will be straight-ahead singing with a powerful lead, smooth baritone, high (or operatic) tenor, and low contrabass.
Those are just a few preliminary and almost random thoughts. What, in your opinion, makes a quartet’s song arrangement traditional?
