A Cappella Research Paper

The Evolution of A cappella A cappella music is a very unique style of music that is strictly vocal, without any instrumental accompaniment. There are no instruments involved and every part of the melody and harmony is covered by a singer. The term “a cappella” was originally used to differentiate the styles of Renaissance polyphony, which is a style of music that contains multiple melodies, and Baroque concertato, which is a style of music where voices and instruments share a melody. A cappella music was originally derived from church music and most commonly Gregorian chant. Gregorian chant developed between the 9th and 10th century in the Roman Catholic Church, most commonly believed to be started and founded by Pope St. Gregory the Great. The 19th century sparked a newfound interest in Renaissance polyphony but grew old to the fact that many of the voice parts were doubled by instrumentalists. In order to satisfy this need the instrumental parts were cut out and performed by only vocalists, thus the birth of a cappella music. Christian a cappella, or polyphony, music first developed in the late 15th century. The earliest recorded compositions of this style of music were written by Josquin des Prez. While this style of music did still have an instrument doubling the vocal

The evolution of music and the rebirth of a cappella has helped keep this style new and fresh. Bringing new ideas to keep people interested in the craft. In order for music in general to grow we must continue to improve upon it and create new uses for it. Music in general is an outlet for ideas and emotions. A cappella music gives these abilities new life. By just using your voice you can stretch yourself to new limits and discover new ways to make music. A cappella music has benefitted societies in the past and with the growth of the style it continues to do