We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Genres

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Does "a Cappella" Mean?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 17,016
Share

A cappella, sometimes also written as acappella, is an Italian musical term which means “in the style of the chapel,” and which describes songs sung without any instrumental accompaniment. The literal meaning of the term provides a good clue about the history of this type of music, as it was predominantly associated with worship in centuries past. During the 20th century, however, the style was appropriated by secular singing groups, and as of the early 21st century, it is commonly applied to many different genres of music.

On a basic level, the term a cappella refers to singing which is not accompanied by any instrumentation. In theory, this may include songs performed by a solo singer or by a number of singers, although many people associate this kind of music with a group of singers. Further, while technically the style can be monophonic, or made up of only a single tune, it is more often associated with a polyphonic sound comprising multiple melodies blended together.

Translating the term a cappella from Italian provides a clear hint about the style’s history. The term means “in the style of the chapel.” This is an accurate descriptor, as this style of music was traditionally associated with religious worship. Throughout history, a number of religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, have employed some form of a cappella music during services.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the a cappella style increasingly began to be appropriated by non-religious singing groups, particularly in the United States. Groups of students at a number of American universities formed non-instrumental singing groups, many of which adopted names that were irreverent or that punned on some aspect of musical terminology. Additionally, men formed small groups called barbershop quartets. Rather than being religious in nature, these groups were usually social, and as such, they tended to perform secular songs from the ragtime or jazz traditions.

While as of the early 21st century, some religious services continue to feature a cappella music, as a whole the style has progressed a significant distance from its historical roots. A cappella groups continue to thrive on college campuses and in high schools. Yet rather than performing spiritual or even traditional jazz selections, contemporary groups tend to favor various types of popular music, from rock and country to rhythm and blues and rap.

Share
Musical Expert is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including Musical Expert. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-does-a-cappella-mean.htm
Copy this link
Musical Expert, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Musical Expert, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.