What is unison singing?

Unison singing occurs when two or more voices or instruments sound the same pitch without harmony. It produces a unified, consonant sound rather than a multi-part structure with different notes. Unison singing can involve a range of vocalists or instrumentalists coming together to produce a homogenous timbre and texture. In choral music, unison singing is frequently employed for powerful dramatic moments to achieve fullness and intensity as all performers deliver the melody in unison. It's widely employed in folk music, gospel, chants, national anthems, and children's songs to foster unity and simplicity. Similarly, unison playing in bands involves all instrumentalists performing the same melodic line synchronously to create a cohesive melodic front without harmonies. Unison performances often evoke feelings of solidarity, coherence, and collective expression.