The composer Theodor Kirchner (1823-1903), a friend of Johannes Brahms, devoted his work almost exclusively to piano and chamber music as well as lieder. Among his numerous works are also collections pieces of easy difficulty or with easy educational demands. They include the ''very small pieces for string quartet'' (without opus number). These pieces are seven miniatures of varying character, from cantabile to lively. Since they are, for the most part, technically easy to master, they offer the opportunity to practise chamber music ensemble playing: listening to each other, responding, coming in together, taking over and other challenges of the string quartet. Quartet sound itself can also be trained with the pieces - the ideal preparation for auditions and competitions.