Music that is composed for small ensembles of instrumentalists.

In its original sense, chamber music referred to music composed for the home, as opposed to that written for the theater or church.

Since the "home" (whether it be drawing room, reception hall, or palace chamber) may be assumed to be of limited size, chamber music usually has no more than one player to a part and it usually has no conductor.

It is music which has been written for combinations of stringed or wind instruments, often with a keyboard (piano or harpsichord) as well, and music for voices with or without accompaniment have historically been included in the chamber music term.