Definition

Noun: A barbershop quartet is a group of four singers, typically male, who perform a cappella music in a specific style of close four-part harmony. The style is characterized by sentimental songs and a distinctive harmonic structure.

Usage

The term is used to describe both the musical group itself and the genre of music they perform. It refers specifically to the traditional, unaccompanied vocal ensemble format. - The barbershop quartet performed at the town festival. - He enjoys listening to barbershop quartet music.

Examples

• The local barbershop quartet rehearses every Tuesday evening.
• They formed a barbershop quartet to sing at weddings and community events.
• That song is a classic barbershop quartet arrangement.

Advanced Usage

• In extended context: The term can sometimes be used more loosely to refer to any small, harmonizing vocal group, though it most accurately describes groups adhering to the traditional barbershop style and repertoire.
  • Although they sing modern pop songs, their tight harmony gives them a barbershop quartet feel.

Variants and Related Words

• Barbershop (noun/adjective): The style of music itself or pertaining to it.
  • He is a member of a barbershop chorus.
• Quartet (noun): Any group of four musicians or singers.
• A cappella (adjective/adverb): Singing without instrumental accompaniment.

Synonyms

• Vocal quartet
• Harmony group (specifically for the barbershop style)
• A cappella quartet

Related Phrases

• To sing barbershop: The act of performing in this style.
  • They learned how to sing barbershop in college.
• Barbershop harmony: Refers specifically to the chord structures and tuning practices characteristic of the style.

Noun

1. an unaccompanied quartet of (usually male) voices singing sentimental songs in four-part harmony