Definition

Noun: A style of musical harmony in which a chord progression is performed by four distinct voice parts, typically soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, each singing a separate melodic line that together creates the full, rich harmony.

Usage

This term is used to describe the specific texture and arrangement of a piece of music, most commonly in choral, barbershop, or hymn settings. - The choir performed the hymn in beautiful four-part harmony. - Learning to sing in four-part harmony requires good listening skills and pitch accuracy.

Advanced Usage

• "to sing in four-part harmony": This is the most common collocation, describing the act of performing music arranged for four voices.
  • The barbershop quartet specializes in singing popular songs in four-part harmony.

Variants and Related Words

• Harmony (n): The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions having a pleasing effect.
• Part-singing (n): Singing in which different singers perform different voice parts (e.g., soprano, alto) to create harmony.

Synonyms

• SATB harmony (an acronym for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass).
• Four-voice harmony.

Related Phrases

• To harmonize in four parts: Similar to "sing in four-part harmony," emphasizing the action of creating the harmony.
  • The group can harmonize in four parts effortlessly.

Noun

1. harmony in which each chord has four notes that create four melodic lines