Choral vs. Chorus — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Choral refers to music sung by a choir or pertaining to a choir, whereas chorus denotes a group of singers or the refrain of a song.
Difference Between Choral and Chorus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Choral is an adjective that describes anything related to a choir, especially in terms of music performed by such an ensemble. Whereas chorus can act as both a noun describing a group of singers in a choir and the part of a song that is repeated after each verse.
Choral music typically involves complex arrangements and harmonies designed for performance by multiple singers. On the other hand, a chorus in a song is usually simple, catchy, and designed to be memorable and easily singable.
Choral compositions are often written for classical and sacred performances, showcasing a blend of voices across soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts. While a chorus in modern music often serves to unify a song, providing a thematic and lyrical anchor that listeners anticipate.
Choral works are performed in a variety of settings, from small ensembles to large, multi-part choirs. Whereas chorus members can sometimes refer to a subset of a larger group specifically tasked with singing these central, repeating parts in performances.
Choral music is steeped in a rich tradition that spans both secular and religious contexts, emphasizing the artistic and technical skills of ensemble singing. While the term chorus is also used in theatrical settings, referring to a group of performers who comment on the main action of a play, showcasing its flexibility in usage beyond music.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to choirs or choir music
1) A group of singers, 2) Refrain part of a song
Usage
Adjective
Noun
Context
Classical, sacred, and large ensemble performances
Popular music, theatre
Musical Complexity
Complex arrangements and harmonies
Typically simpler, repetitive sections
Role in Composition
Can involve entire compositions or significant segments
Often a repetitive and memorable part of a song
Compare with Definitions
Choral
Music written for performance by a choir.
His compositions include several choral works that are performed worldwide.
Chorus
A refrain in a song that is repeated.
The song's chorus became a catchy anthem for the summer.
Choral
Involving or relating to a choir or its members.
She joined the choral society to partake in community performances.
Chorus
A group of singers who perform together, typically part of a larger performance.
The opera's chorus received accolades for their harmonious delivery.
Choral
Characterized by or involving group singing.
The festival featured a choral celebration of folk songs.
Chorus
In music, the ensemble responsible for singing the chorus of a piece.
He directed the chorus during the school musical.
Choral
Related to the practice of choir singing.
Choral techniques vary significantly across different music traditions.
Chorus
A body of singers who comment on the action in a play, especially in ancient Greek drama.
The chorus in the Greek tragedy provided the audience with commentary and insights.
Choral
Pertaining to choir music involving multiple singing parts.
The choral arrangement of the piece added a profound depth to the performance.
Chorus
The part of a song repeated after each verse, usually the most memorable.
Everyone sang along to the chorus of her latest single.
Choral
Of or relating to a chorus or choir.
Chorus
A part of a song which is repeated after each verse
Strong guitar-driven songs with big, big choruses
Choral
Performed or written for performance by a chorus.
Chorus
A large organized group of singers, especially one which performs with an orchestra or opera company
He has words of praise for the RSNO Chorus
Choral
Of, relating to, written for, or performed by a choir or a chorus.
Palestrina wrote choral music for the Catholic church.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance of something by many people
‘Good morning,’ we replied in chorus
A growing chorus of complaint
Choral
Alternative form of chorale
Chorus
(in ancient Greek tragedy) a group of performers who comment together on the main action
Sophocles no longer gave the chorus the major role
Choral
Of or pertaining to a choir or chorus; singing, sung, or adapted to be sung, in chorus or harmony.
Chorus
A device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played
A chorus pedal
Choral
A stately hymn tune; a simple sacred tune, sung in unison by the congregation, used mostly in Protestant (especially Lutheran) churches; as, the Lutheran chorals.
Chorus
(of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time
‘Morning, Sister,’ the nurses chorused
Choral
A stately Protestant (especially Lutheran) hymn tune
Chorus
A group of singers who perform together, usually singing multi-part compositions with more than one singer for each part.
Choral
Related to or written for or performed by a chorus or choir;
Choral composition
Choral ensemble
Chorus
A group of vocalists and dancers who support the soloists and leading performers in operas, musical comedies, and revues.
Chorus
A musical composition usually in four or more parts written for a large number of singers.
Chorus
A refrain in a song, especially one in which the soloist is joined by other performers or audience members.
Chorus
A solo section based on the main melody of a popular song and played by a member of the group.
Chorus
A group of persons who speak or sing in unison a given part or composition in drama or poetry recitation.
Chorus
An actor in Elizabethan drama who recites the prologue and epilogue to a play and sometimes comments on the action.
Chorus
A group in a classical Greek drama whose songs and dances present an exposition of or, in later tradition, a disengaged commentary on the action.
Chorus
The portion of a classical Greek drama consisting of choric dance and song.
Chorus
A speech, song, or other utterance made in concert by many people.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance by a number of people
A chorus of jeers from the bystanders.
Chorus
A simultaneous production of sound by numerous animals
The midday chorus of cicadas.
Chorus
A simultaneous production of sound by numerous inanimate objects
A chorus of lawnmowers from the neighborhood's backyards.
Chorus
To sing or utter in chorus.
Chorus
A group of singers and dancers in a theatrical performance or religious festival who commented on the main performance in speech or song.
Chorus
A song performed by the singers of such a group.
Chorus
An actor who reads the prologue and epilogue of a play, and sometimes also acts as a commentator or narrator; also, a portion of a play read by this actor.
Chorus
A group of singers performing together; a choir; specifically, such a group singing together in a musical, an opera, etc., as distinct from the soloists; an ensemble.
The performance of the chorus was awe-inspiring and exhilarating.
Chorus
(by extension) A group of people in a performance who recite together.
Chorus
An instance of singing by a group of people.
Chorus
(figuratively)
Chorus
A group of people or animals who make sounds together.
A chorus of crickets
A chorus of whiners
Chorus
The noise or sound made by such a group.
A chorus of shouts and catcalls
Chorus
(music)
Chorus
A piece of music, especially one in a larger work such as an opera, written to be sung by a choir in parts (for example, by sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses).
Chorus
A part of a song which is repeated between verses; a refrain.
The catchiest part of most songs is the chorus.
Chorus
The main part of a pop song played after the introduction.
Chorus
A group of organ pipes or organ stops intended to be played simultaneously; a compound stop; also, the sound made by such pipes or stops.
Chorus
A feature or setting in electronic music that makes one instrument sound like many.
Chorus
(Christianity) A simple, often repetitive, song intended to be sung in a group during informal worship.
Chorus
(jazz) The improvised solo section in a small group performance.
Chorus
(transitive)
Chorus
To sing (a song), express (a sentiment), or recite or say (words) in chorus.
Chorus
To express concurrence with (something said by another person); to echo.
Chorus
(rare) To provide (a song) with a chorus or refrain.
Chorus
(intransitive)
Chorus
To sing the chorus or refrain of a song.
Chorus
To sing, express, or say in, or as if in, unison.
Chorus
To echo in unison another person's words.
Chorus
Of animals: to make cries or sounds together.
Chorus
A band of singers and dancers.
The Grecian tragedy was at first nothing but a chorus of singers.
Chorus
A company of persons supposed to behold what passed in the acts of a tragedy, and to sing the sentiments which the events suggested in couplets or verses between the acts; also, that which was thus sung by the chorus.
What the lofty, grave tragedians taughtIn chorus or iambic.
Chorus
An interpreter in a dumb show or play.
Chorus
A company of singers singing in concert.
Chorus
A composition of two or more parts, each of which is intended to be sung by a number of voices.
Chorus
Parts of a song or hymn recurring at intervals, as at the end of stanzas; also, a company of singers who join with the singer or choir in singer or choir in singing such parts.
Chorus
The simultaneous of a company in any noisy demonstration; as, a Chorus of shouts and catcalls.
Chorus
To sing in chorus; to exclaim simultaneously.
Chorus
Any utterance produced simultaneously by a group;
A chorus of boos
Chorus
A group of people assembled to sing together
Chorus
The part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
Chorus
A body of dancers or singers who perform together
Chorus
A company of actors who comment (by speaking or singing in unison) on the action in a classical Greek play
Chorus
Utter in unison;
`yes,' the children chorused
Chorus
Sing in a choir
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between choral and chorus?
Choral refers to anything related to choir music, while chorus can mean a group of singers or the repeated part of a song.
How do chorus and choir differ?
"Chorus" can refer to the group of singers themselves (similar to choir) or the part of the song they sing. "Choir" strictly refers to the group of singers.
Can choral refer to any type of music?
Choral specifically describes music that involves or is suitable for a choir, typically vocal music.
Are choral and chorus interchangeable in music terminology?
No, choral is an adjective describing choir-related music, and chorus is a noun that refers to part of a song or the group singing it.
Can someone be a member of both a chorus and a choir?
Yes, the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably to describe a group of singers, so one can be a member of both if they refer to the same ensemble.
How important is a chorus in a song?
Very; it's often the most memorable part of a song, designed to be catchy and repeated.
Is choral music only religious?
No, while much choral music has religious roots, it also includes secular compositions.
What types of music are considered choral?
Choral music includes classical, sacred, and contemporary pieces designed for group singing.
Does choral music include instruments?
Choral music primarily focuses on voices but can include instrumental accompaniment, although the voices are the main feature.
Do choral and chorus have the same origin?
Both terms ultimately derive from Latin and Greek roots related to groups and singing, reflecting their shared musical heritage.
How can one participate in choral music?
Joining a choir or a choral group at schools, churches, or community centers is a good way to participate.
Is a chorus always part of a song?
In music, yes, a chorus refers to the part of a song that is repeated. However, in theater, it can also refer to a group of performers.
How does a chorus enhance a musical performance?
It provides a harmonic and dynamic richness and helps to emphasize the main themes of the music or play.
Are there competitions focused on choral or chorus performances?
Yes, there are numerous choral competitions worldwide that feature both choirs and specific choruses from larger ensembles.
What skills are important for choral singing?
Good vocal technique, the ability to harmonize with others, and reading music are crucial for choral singing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
