chorale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic (Music), Specialized
Quick answer
What does “chorale” mean?
A slow, stately hymn tune, especially a harmonized version of a Lutheran hymn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slow, stately hymn tune, especially a harmonized version of a Lutheran hymn; a piece of music in this style.
1) A choir or chorus (now somewhat dated). 2) In a broader sense, any simple, harmonized hymn-like composition or a vocal ensemble that performs such music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'chorale' is the standard spelling for both the musical piece and the choir (e.g., 'Bach Chorale', 'Community Chorale'). In the UK, the piece is 'chorale', but the singing group is more often simply a 'choir' or 'choral society'; using 'chorale' for the group can sound deliberately old-fashioned or evocative.
Connotations
UK: Slightly archaic, scholarly, or specifically German musical when referring to the group. US: Neutral and common for community or church singing groups.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English due to its common use for naming amateur and semi-professional singing ensembles.
Grammar
How to Use “chorale” in a Sentence
VERB + CHORALE: compose, harmonize, play, sing, performADJ + CHORALE: four-part, Lutheran, familiar, simple, statelyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chorale” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The chorale prelude is a key Baroque form.
- They gave a chorale-like performance.
American English
- The chorale section of the band played beautifully.
- He wrote in a chorale style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, church history, and music theory contexts to discuss specific compositional forms (e.g., 'chorale prelude').
Everyday
Rare, except among musicians or members of a 'chorale' group.
Technical
Core term in music theory for a specific type of harmonized hymn texture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chorale”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chorale”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorale”
- Spelling: 'choral' vs. 'chorale'. The '-ale' spelling is standard for the noun.
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing the final '-ale' as /eɪl/ (like 'ale' beer). It's /ɑːl/ (UK) or /æl/ (US).
- Using it generically for any choir.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'chorale' is primarily a piece of music (a hymn tune). A 'choir' is a group of singers. In American English, 'chorale' can also *name* a choir, but 'choir' is the generic term.
No. 'Choral' is typically /ˈkɔːrəl/ (stressed on first syllable). 'Chorale' is /kɒˈrɑːl/ (UK) or /kəˈræl/ (US), with stress on the second syllable.
Yes, but usually in a derivative sense. An 'instrumental chorale' is a piece written in the style of a vocal chorale (e.g., a 'chorale' for brass ensemble).
J.S. Bach harmonized hundreds of Lutheran chorales, and his 'chorale preludes' for organ are foundational works in Western art music, making his name synonymous with the form's artistic peak.
A slow, stately hymn tune, especially a harmonized version of a Lutheran hymn.
Chorale is usually formal, academic (music), specialized in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'chorale' as a standalone term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHORAL + E. A CHORAL piece with an Extra 'E' for Emphasis on its German/Ecclesiastical roots.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE AS FOUNDATION (e.g., 'The chorale provides the harmonic foundation for the entire piece').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chorale' used most specifically?