chorals
Church music pieces
Chorals is the plural of choral, referring to musical compositions written for a choir or chorus.
The term typically denotes hymn tunes or sacred songs arranged for group singing, especially in Protestant church traditions: Bach's chorals remain central to Lutheran worship.
The word overlaps with chorales, which is more common in American usage.
Religious songs of worship
- anthemsOfficial ceremonial songs
- psalmsReligious songs of praise
- liturgyFormal worship structure
- vespersEvening devotional service
canticles · worship · mass · requiem · benediction · magnificat · alleluia · evensong
Contrapuntal musical form
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
- madrigalUnaccompanied Renaissance choral composition
- cantataVocal work with instruments
- anthemOfficial song of praise
mass · requiem · oratorio · lied · part-song · round · canon · counterpoint
Highest female voice range
- altoLower female voice
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- bassDeep pitch or fish
- baritoneMid-range male voice
contralto · countertenor · mezzo-soprano · unison · harmony · polyphony · homophony · acapella
Unified group or outfit
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- directorOne who leads
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- choirmasterLeader of singers
recital · concert · cantata · oratorio · arrangement · octavo · repertoire · accompaniment
hymns
Religious songs of worship
vespers · canticles · worship · mass · requiem · benediction · magnificat · alleluia · evensong · matins
fugue
Contrapuntal musical form
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
- madrigalUnaccompanied Renaissance choral composition
- cantataVocal work with instruments
anthem · mass · requiem · oratorio · lied · part-song · round · canon · counterpoint · arrangement
soprano
Highest female voice range
baritone · contralto · countertenor · mezzo-soprano · unison · harmony · polyphony · homophony · acapella · vocalize
ensemble
Unified group or outfit
choirmaster · recital · concert · cantata · oratorio · arrangement · octavo · repertoire · accompaniment · podium
choralsdrinking songs
Lyrics for toasting together
work songs · folk songs · sea shanties · madrigals · love songs
choralsinstrumentals
Music without lyrics
symphonies · sonatas · concertos · orchestral works · preludes
- choral arrangementsPieces scored for voices
- choral musicCompositions for grouped voices
- choral singingVocal music by ensemble
- choral directorOne who leads singers
- choral performanceGroup singing event
- chorale preludeOrgan piece on hymn