Groups

Chorus

A choir, usually of mixed voices, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone (SATB), which takes part in most compositions such as opera, oratorio, cantata and musicals, and plays the part of the mob or onlookers and supports the principal singers. Listen to this example of a chorus from the Baroque period, one of the most famous of all, the 'Hallelujah Chorus' from the 'Messiah’ by Handel. Notice that the chorus sings in both styles, homophonic at the beginning and polyphonic at the end of the excerpt. 

   Now listen to a chorus which is mainly homophonic in style, part of the last chorus from the 'St John Passion' by Bach. Listen as the chorus, generally speaking, sings and moves together.    Here is an excerpt from a musical. Listen for the use of the chorus, the lead singer, the chorus used as backing vocals, singing in unison and harmony, and the drum fill just at the end of the excerpt.

(The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus in performance. Photograph: Jeremy Hardie).