Chorale: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in a religious setting to describe a type of hymn or a choir piece, especially common in Protestant traditions.

• The choir performed a beautiful Bach chorale during the Sunday service.
• The chorale created a solemn atmosphere for the church ceremony.

A religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity, typically sung during religious services.

• The congregation sang a traditional hymn during the morning service.
• She wrote a new hymn that became popular in the local church.

Refers to a sacred song or hymn, particularly those found in the Book of Psalms in the Bible, often sung or read during religious services.

• They read a psalm every night before bed.
• The choir sang a psalm in beautiful harmony.

Typically used to describe a patriotic song associated with a country, or a song that represents a group or cause.

• Everyone stood up to sing the national anthem before the game started.
• The new movement's anthem inspired many to join their cause.

See above 'chorale'.

A general term used to refer to any piece of music written for a choir, regardless of its style or religious association. Suitable for both secular and sacred music contexts.

• The choir will perform a new choir piece by a contemporary composer.
• In the concert, they included a choir piece that highlighted the versatility of vocal harmony.

Refers to any piece of music with a focus on harmony, not necessarily limited to choir music. Can be used to discuss music theory and compositions focusing on harmonic progressions.

• The harmonic composition of this piece is exceptionally rich and complex.
• Students analyzed the harmonic composition of Beethoven's symphonies in class.