The Continental String Ensemble

The Continental String Ensemble (CSE) is a Chicago-based chamber ensemble founded by violinist Edgar Gabriel. With 65 strings: Edgar and Hannah E Barton - Violins, Ai Ishida Melby -Viola , Steven Vazquez -Guitar and harp), the CSE performs a repertoire of worldly music using any combination of these five instruments.

Coming Soon...

The Continental String Ensemble's '1893' debut album

"Music From the Era of the Chicago World's Fair" will be released by the premier American Classical record label Centaur Records in June. It will be available on CD, Streaming and wherever music is sold. Click below for a preview listen.

Listen to Samples

More About the Continental String Ensemble

While the foundation of the Continental String Ensemble’s repertoire stems from turn of the century 1890-1910 parlor music, they are not limited to this genre. They are equally at home with many styles of classical music, fiddle jazz, pop, tangos, gypsy and even rock. The CSE performs on concerts stages, in cafes, cabarets, taverns, festivals and private parties.

Viennese Music

Viennese & German Music

The Continental String Ensemble has a wide repertoire of German and Viennese music. They occasionally add other instruments such as tuba or accordion, as here they perform Johann Schrammel's "Kunst und Natur" with tuba.

Kunst und Natur

CSE created Music via Social Distance DURING the Pandemic

The CSE was busy during the pandemic. Watch Paganini's Terzetto - Minuetto created via Social Distance!

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