Chorus vs. Chorale — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
A chorus is a musical ensemble performing vocal parts, often in opera or theater, whereas a chorale is a harmonized hymn in the Lutheran tradition, characterized by its religious context.
Difference Between Chorus and Chorale
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A chorus typically refers to a large group of singers performing together, especially in the context of operas, musical theater, and other large-scale vocal works. These ensembles can range from small groups to large choirs, often accompanied by an orchestra or band. On the other hand, a chorale is a specific type of vocal composition that originated within the Lutheran church, characterized by simple, homophonic melodies intended for congregational singing, often with organ accompaniment.
While a chorus performs a wide range of musical genres, from classical to contemporary, and often includes both lyrical and dramatic elements, a chorale remains closely associated with religious worship and the Lutheran tradition. Chorales are known for their structured harmony and are used to reinforce the liturgical themes and messages of the church service.
The role of a chorus in a musical performance is to complement the lead singers and help convey the story or emotional undertones of the piece. They may sing background parts, provide harmony, or occasionally take center stage for certain pieces. Conversely, a chorale serves a more uniform role, aiming to involve the congregation in worship and reflection through its lyrical content and accessible melody.
Chorus members often undergo auditions and require a significant level of vocal training to perform the diverse and sometimes complex arrangements found in operas and musicals. Chorales, while they can also feature skilled singers, emphasize participation and the communal aspect of singing, focusing on the collective rather than individual performance excellence.
In terms of repertoire, choruses have a vast and varied repertoire that spans multiple genres and historical periods. Chorales, however, primarily perform hymns and religious works that adhere to the traditional Lutheran format, often singing compositions by notable composers like J.S. Bach, who is renowned for his chorales.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of singers performing together in various musical settings.
A harmonized hymn in the Lutheran tradition.
Primary Context
Operas, musical theater, concerts.
Lutheran religious services.
Musical Genre
Diverse, ranging from classical to contemporary.
Primarily religious hymns.
Role
Complement lead singers, convey story or emotion.
Facilitate congregational singing, enhance worship.
Composition
Can be very complex, requiring trained singers.
Simple and homophonic, intended for communal singing.
Repertoire
Wide-ranging, including various genres and styles.
Focused on Lutheran hymns and religious themes.
Participation
Often requires auditions and vocal training.
Emphasizes communal participation, accessible to all.
Compare with Definitions
Chorus
A large ensemble of singers in operas or musicals.
The chorus provided powerful background vocals in the finale.
Chorale
Enhances Lutheran worship services.
Today's service features a chorale by J.S. Bach.
Chorus
Enhances the narrative or emotional impact.
The chorus echoed the protagonist's dilemma through harmonious interludes.
Chorale
Encourages community participation.
The church invites all attendees to learn the chorale and sing together.
Chorus
Features complex arrangements.
The chorus mastered the intricate harmonies of the piece.
Chorale
A Lutheran hymn for congregational singing.
The congregation joined in singing the chorale, uplifting everyone's spirits.
Chorus
Performs across various musical genres.
The school chorus showcased songs from both classical and pop music.
Chorale
Characterized by simple, harmonious melodies.
The organist led the chorale, filling the church with harmonious sound.
Chorus
Requires auditions for membership.
She practiced for weeks to audition for the community chorus.
Chorale
Focuses on religious themes and lyrics.
The chorale's lyrics reflected the sermon's message of hope and faith.
Chorus
A part of a song which is repeated after each verse
Strong guitar-driven songs with big, big choruses
Chorale
Chorale is the name of several related musical forms originating in the music genre of the Lutheran chorale: Hymn tune of a Lutheran hymn (e.g. the melody of "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"), or a tune in a similar format (e.g.
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
Chorale
A stately hymn tune, especially one associated with the German Lutheran Church.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance of something by many people
‘Good morning,’ we replied in chorus
A growing chorus of complaint
Chorale
A choir or choral society.
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
Chorale
A Protestant hymn melody.
Chorus
A device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played
A chorus pedal
Chorale
A harmonized arrangement of such a melody, especially one forming part of a larger choral or organ work.
Chorus
(of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time
‘Morning, Sister,’ the nurses chorused
Chorale
A chorus or choir.
Chorus
A group of singers who perform together, usually singing multi-part compositions with more than one singer for each part.
Chorale
(Christianity) A form of Lutheran or Protestant hymn tune.
Chorus
A group of vocalists and dancers who support the soloists and leading performers in operas, musical comedies, and revues.
Chorale
A chorus or choir.
Chorus
A musical composition usually in four or more parts written for a large number of singers.
Chorale
A stately Protestant (especially Lutheran) hymn tune
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
Can a chorus perform a chorale?
Yes, a chorus can perform chorales, especially if the performance includes religious works or compositions by composers like J.S. Bach.
What distinguishes a chorale from other hymns?
A chorale is specifically a Lutheran hymn, known for its simple, harmonious melody intended for congregational singing.
How does the role of a chorus differ in opera and musical theater?
In opera, a chorus often adds depth to the drama and emotional intensity, while in musical theater, it supports the narrative and adds to the musical dynamism.
How does one join a chorus?
Joining a chorus typically requires an audition, where singers demonstrate their vocal ability and range.
What is a chorus?
A chorus is a group of singers performing together, often in operas, musicals, and concerts, featuring diverse musical styles.
Why is congregational participation important in chorales?
Congregational participation in chorales reinforces the communal aspect of worship and allows the congregation to actively engage in the service.
Are chorales only performed in churches?
While chorales are primarily performed in church settings, they can also be featured in concerts and recitals focusing on sacred music.
What role does a conductor play in a chorus?
A conductor leads the chorus, ensuring coordination, balance, and expressiveness in the performance.
What makes a chorale harmonious?
Chorales are composed with homophonic texture, where the melody is supported by chordal harmony, creating a rich and cohesive sound.
How are new chorales created?
New chorales are composed following the traditional structure and style, often for use in Lutheran worship or contemporary sacred music compositions.
Are there instrumental versions of chorales?
Yes, instrumental arrangements of chorales exist, often for organ or orchestral performances.
Can non-religious music be considered a chorale?
Traditionally, chorales are religious hymns, but the term can sometimes be used broadly to describe any harmonious, hymn-like composition.
What historical significance do chorales hold?
Chorales have played a pivotal role in the development of Western sacred music, particularly within the Lutheran tradition, influencing choral and hymnal compositions.
How do choruses contribute to a musical's overall impact?
Choruses add depth, enrich the sound, and enhance the emotional and narrative elements of a musical.
Do all choruses require professional-level singing skills?
While some choruses are professional and require high levels of skill, many community and school choruses welcome singers of various abilities.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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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.
