Definition

1. Noun:
   • Singing without instrumental accompaniment: "a cappella singing" refers to the musical performance of vocal music, either by a soloist or a group, where no instruments are used for accompaniment. The voices produce all the harmonic and melodic elements of the piece.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The choir's a cappella singing was so pure and moving.
  • He specializes in a cappella singing of Renaissance madrigals.
  • The group gained fame for their complex a cappella singing arrangements.

Advanced Usage

• The term can describe a style, a genre, or a specific performance. It is often used attributively (functioning like an adjective) to modify other nouns, though the core term remains a noun phrase.
  • The a cappella singing competition is next week.
  • They study a cappella singing techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• A cappella (adverb/adjective): This is the more common base form, meaning "in the manner of the chapel" or "without instrumental accompaniment." It can describe the singing itself.
  • They performed the piece a cappella. (adverb)
  • It's an a cappella group. (adjective)
• Vocal music (noun): A broader category that includes both accompanied and unaccompanied singing.

Synonyms

• Unaccompanied singing: The most direct synonym, explicitly stating the lack of accompaniment.
• Vocal performance: A more general term that does not specify the presence or absence of instruments.

Notes on Meaning

• The phrase "a cappella singing" explicitly names the or of singing without instruments. The standalone term "a cappella" is more versatile, describing the manner or style of a performance.
• Historically, the term originates from Italian, meaning "in the church style," reflecting its roots in sacred vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment in chapels.

Noun

1. singing without instrumental accompaniment