What is quintet?

A quintet is a musical composition or ensemble for five performers, or a group of five in general. The term is most often used in classical music, where a quintet typically consists of five instruments or five voices. For example, a string quintet might consist of two violins, a viola, a cello, and a double bass, while a vocal quintet might consist of a soprano, an alto, a tenor, a baritone, and a bass.

Quintets can also be found in other genres of music, such as jazz, folk, and rock. For example, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which was active from the 1950s to the 1990s, often featured a quintet lineup with the addition of a fifth musician, such as a saxophonist or clarinetist. In folk music, the term "quintet" is sometimes used to refer to a group of five singers or musicians who perform together, while in rock music, the term is occasionally used to refer to a band with five members.

In addition to musical ensembles, the term "quintet" can also be used to refer to a group of five people in general, such as a group of friends or colleagues.