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View synonyms for a cappella

a cappella

[ ah kuh-pel-uh; Italian ah kahp-pel-lah ]

adverb

, Music.
  1. Sometimes acappella. without instrumental accompaniment.
  2. in the style of church or chapel music.


a cappella

/ ɑː kəˈpɛlə /

adjective

  1. music without instrumental accompaniment
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


a cappella

  1. Choral singing performed without instruments. The expression means “in chapel style” in Italian. Centuries ago, religious music composed for use in chapels — which, unlike large churches , had no organs — was usually for voices only.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of a cappella1

First recorded in 1875–80; from Italian: literally, “in the manner of a chapel (choir)”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of a cappella1

Italian: literally, according to (the style of the) chapel
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Example Sentences

She marked that occasion by singing an a cappella version of her anthem “Jolene” that should have convinced all who heard it.

Aside from the rejuvenating lyrics, the track brings a sonic surprise when members sing the motif in softened voices a cappella and with mild beatboxing in the background.

From Time

The song was performed a cappella at her daughter’s funeral after Charlottesville.

The group was founded in 1987 and now includes an 80-member adult chorus, a 24-member a cappella chamber ensemble, and the NorthEast Senior Singers.

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acapniaa capriccio