A cappella: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:40, 11 December 2024

A cappella (Italian for "in the manner of the chapel") refers to vocal music performance without instrumental accompaniment. This style of music can be found in various genres and cultures, ranging from classical music to contemporary pop music.

History[edit]

A cappella music has its roots in religious music, particularly within the Christian church. During the Renaissance, a cappella choral music was prevalent in church services. Composers like Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Josquin des Prez were known for their intricate a cappella compositions.

In the Baroque period, a cappella music continued to be significant, although instrumental accompaniment became more common. The tradition of a cappella singing was preserved in various religious communities, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church and Anabaptist groups like the Amish.

Modern A Cappella[edit]

In the 20th and 21st centuries, a cappella music has gained popularity in secular contexts. Groups like The King's Singers and The Swingle Singers have brought a cappella to mainstream audiences. Contemporary a cappella often involves complex vocal arrangements and the use of vocal percussion or "beatboxing" to mimic instrumental sounds.

Collegiate A Cappella[edit]

Collegiate a cappella groups have become a significant part of university culture, particularly in the United States. These groups often perform covers of popular songs and compete in events like the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA).

The Oxford Alternotives, a collegiate a cappella group

Notable A Cappella Groups[edit]

A Cappella in Popular Culture[edit]

A cappella music has been featured in various films and television shows, such as Pitch Perfect and Glee. These media portrayals have contributed to the genre's popularity among younger audiences.

Also see[edit]

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-<br>= A cappella =
+{{Infobox music genre
+| name = A cappella
+| image = Roskilde Cathedrals Boys Choir.jpg
+| caption = Roskilde Cathedral's Boys Choir performing a cappella
+| stylistic_origins = [[Choral music]], [[Vocal music]]
+| cultural_origins = [[Europe]], [[Renaissance]]
+| instruments = [[Human voice]]
+| popularity = Worldwide
+}}
-'''A cappella''' refers to vocal music performance without instrumental accompaniment. The term is derived from the Italian phrase "in the manner of the chapel," indicating its origins in religious music. Over time, a cappella has evolved to encompass a wide range of musical genres and styles, from classical to contemporary pop.
+'''A cappella''' (Italian for "in the manner of the chapel") refers to vocal music performance without instrumental accompaniment. This style of music can be found in various genres and cultures, ranging from [[classical music]] to contemporary [[pop music]].
-== History ==
+==History==
-A cappella music has a rich history that dates back to the early Christian church, where it was used in liturgical settings. The absence of instruments was partly due to the belief that the human voice was the purest form of musical expression. During the Renaissance, a cappella choral music flourished, with composers like Palestrina and Josquin des Prez creating intricate polyphonic works for church choirs.
+A cappella music has its roots in [[religious music]], particularly within the [[Christian church]]. During the [[Renaissance]], a cappella choral music was prevalent in church services. Composers like [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina]] and [[Josquin des Prez]] were known for their intricate a cappella compositions.
-In the 19th century, the tradition of a cappella singing was carried on by groups such as the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who popularized spirituals and gospel music. The 20th century saw the rise of barbershop quartets and doo-wop groups, which brought a cappella into the mainstream of American popular music.
+In the [[Baroque period]], a cappella music continued to be significant, although instrumental accompaniment became more common. The tradition of a cappella singing was preserved in various religious communities, such as the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and [[Anabaptist]] groups like the [[Amish]].
-== Styles and Genres ==
+==Modern A Cappella==
-A cappella encompasses a variety of styles and genres, each with its own unique characteristics:
+In the 20th and 21st centuries, a cappella music has gained popularity in secular contexts. Groups like [[The King's Singers]] and [[The Swingle Singers]] have brought a cappella to mainstream audiences. Contemporary a cappella often involves complex vocal arrangements and the use of [[vocal percussion]] or "beatboxing" to mimic instrumental sounds.
-* '''Classical A cappella''': Often performed by choirs, this style includes sacred and secular works from the Renaissance to the present day.
+[[File:The Hullabahoos.jpg|thumb|The Hullabahoos, a collegiate a cappella group]]
-* '''Barbershop''': A style characterized by close harmony and homophonic texture, typically performed by quartets.
+==Collegiate A Cappella==
+Collegiate a cappella groups have become a significant part of university culture, particularly in the [[United States]]. These groups often perform covers of popular songs and compete in events like the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA).
-* '''Doo-wop''': Originating in the 1940s and 1950s, doo-wop features vocal harmony and simple, catchy melodies.
+[[File:Oxfordalternotives.jpg|thumb|The Oxford Alternotives, a collegiate a cappella group]]
-* '''Contemporary A cappella''': This style includes modern pop, rock, and jazz arrangements, often featuring vocal percussion and beatboxing.
+==Notable A Cappella Groups==
+* [[Pentatonix]]
+* [[The King's Singers]]
+* [[The Swingle Singers]]
+* [[Take 6]]
+* [[Straight No Chaser]]
-== Notable A cappella Groups ==
+==A Cappella in Popular Culture==
-Several a cappella groups have gained international recognition for their innovative performances and recordings:
+A cappella music has been featured in various films and television shows, such as ''[[Pitch Perfect]]'' and ''[[Glee]]''. These media portrayals have contributed to the genre's popularity among younger audiences.
-* '''The King's Singers''': A British ensemble known for their versatility and wide-ranging repertoire.
+[[File:University of Exeter's Sweet Nothings.jpg|thumb|University of Exeter's Sweet Nothings, a collegiate a cappella group]]
-* '''Pentatonix''': An American group that has achieved mainstream success with their pop covers and original songs.
+==Also see==
+* [[Choral music]]
+* [[Vocal music]]
+* [[Beatboxing]]
+* [[Barbershop music]]
+* [[Glee (TV series)]]
-* '''Take 6''': A gospel group renowned for their intricate harmonies and jazz influences.
+{{Music genres}}
-== Techniques ==
+[[Category:Vocal music]]
-A cappella singing requires a high level of vocal skill and musicianship. Singers must be able to maintain pitch, blend with other voices, and create a full sound without instrumental support. Common techniques include:
+[[Category:Choral music]]
+[[Category:A cappella]]
-* '''Vocal Percussion''': Using the voice to imitate drum sounds and rhythms.
-* '''Harmonization''': Creating chords and harmonies with multiple vocal parts.
-* '''Solo and Ensemble Singing''': Balancing individual vocal lines within a group setting.
-== Cultural Impact ==
-A cappella has had a significant impact on music and culture, influencing genres such as pop, jazz, and gospel. It has also been popularized through media, with television shows like "The Sing-Off" and movies like "Pitch Perfect" bringing a cappella to a wider audience.
-== Conclusion ==
-A cappella continues to be a dynamic and evolving form of musical expression. Its ability to convey emotion and tell stories through the human voice alone makes it a unique and powerful art form. Whether in a formal concert setting or a casual gathering, a cappella music has the power to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
-== References ==
-* Smith, John. ''The History of A Cappella Music''. New York: Music Press, 2010.
-* Johnson, Emily. ''Vocal Harmony: The Art of A Cappella''. London: Harmony Books, 2015.
-* "A Cappella: The Purest Form of Music." Music Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2021, pp. 45-58.