What does it mean when a choir sings cappella?

When a choir sings a cappella, it means they are singing without instrumental accompaniment. The term "a cappella" comes from the Italian phrase "alla cappella", which means "in the manner of the chapel". It was originally used to describe the unaccompanied singing of religious music in churches and chapels.

A cappella singing is a challenging and demanding form of choral music. It requires singers to have a high degree of vocal control, pitch accuracy, and intonation. Additionally, a cappella choirs must be able to blend their voices together seamlessly to create a unified sound.

A cappella singing can be used to create a variety of musical effects. It can be used to create a sense of intimacy and spirituality, or it can be used to create a more dynamic and energetic sound. A cappella choirs can perform a wide range of music, from classical to contemporary, from sacred to secular.

Some famous examples of a cappella choirs include The King's Singers, The Swingle Singers, and The Real Group. These choirs have released numerous recordings and have performed all over the world.

A cappella singing is a beautiful and expressive form of choral music that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.