Last update: May 16, 2026

Quartet

About

Quartet is a music composition and sample-sequencing program developed for the Atari ST.

Overview

Quartet is an Atari ST music creation tool associated with the computer's distinctive YM2149 sound chip. It belongs to the generation of compact music programs that allowed users to compose, arrange and play music directly on the Atari ST.

Unlike traditional trackers that use pattern-based note grids, Quartet uses a four-voice music system with conventional musical notation. Notes can be entered directly onto on-screen staves or recorded in real time using a MIDI keyboard.

This approach made Quartet suitable for musicians familiar with traditional musical scores, as well as users interested in creating music with sampled sounds.

Features

• Four-voice music composition system
• Score editor using traditional musical notation
• Real-time music input
• MIDI keyboard support
• Sample-based sound playback
• Tempo control
• Transposition
• Ties and linked notes
• Instrument and sound selection
• Music arrangement and editing tools

Sound and Hardware

Quartet was designed to produce sophisticated music from the relatively limited audio hardware of the Atari ST.

The original Atari ST version used the computer's YM2149 programmable sound generator. A later version, Quartet 1.5 Stereo, added stereo playback through the Atari STe's DMA audio hardware.

Creators and Publisher

Release Information

Important Note

Quartet for Atari ST and Quartet for Amiga were different programs created by different developers, despite sharing the same name and publisher.

Links

• Atari ST software information

Screenshot(s)