At first sight, this publication appears to be a collection of pieces, for the technical studies, not too attractive but so characteristic of tutors, are missing. Yet the selection of the works, their order according to the development of ensemble playing and the advice included after the foreword and containing proposals for the technical realization of ensemble playing in the case of certain typical pieces - these all make this publication a tutor. The works form a cross-section of a longer period of the history of chamber music and offer an insight into the different methods of composition.

Volume IV introduces the student into the art of performing Viennese Classical string quartets. The grade of difficulty is somewhat higher than that of the preceding volumes but this volume is based on them in an organic way.