A Cappella

A cappella (sometimes spelled ‘a capella’) is Italian for ‘in the manner of the chapel’. As a performance direction it indicates that vocal music should be sung without instrumental accompaniment — voices alone.

The term originates in the Renaissance practice of unaccompanied sacred choral music — masses, motets, and other liturgical works performed by voices alone in the chapel. The Sistine Chapel choir was particularly famous for its a cappella tradition; Palestrina, Victoria, and other Renaissance masters wrote extensively for unaccompanied voices.

In modern usage, ‘a cappella’ extends well beyond sacred music. Doo-wop, barbershop, contemporary a cappella groups, gospel choirs — all carry the tradition of unaccompanied vocal music into popular and folk contexts. The term has become essentially universal for any vocal performance without instruments.

Italian, ‘in the manner of the chapel’ — a (‘in the manner of’) + cappella (‘chapel’).

Without instruments, intonation and ensemble are paramount. Listen carefully to fellow singers; tune to the prevailing harmony; balance voices for blend. A cappella exposes every detail.