Choristic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kɔːˈɹɪstɪk/

Definitions

1. Pertaining to musical performances featuring multiple singers working together, highlighting harmony and group expression in their sound
2. Relating to a type of musical or theatrical work that emphasizes the collaboration of a choir or group of singers in conveying emotional themes
3. Having a connection to or characteristic of a choir, often involving group singing or choral arrangements

Etymology: The root of this word is Greek "khoros," which meant a group dancing in a circle while singing. Ancient Greek drama took its name for the performing group, the chorus, from that dance. Over time the idea of a group singing together moved from dance to choral song. "Choristic" is a much later formation. It is built from "chorist," an older English word for a member of a choir, with the adjectival suffix "-ic" added. The result describes what belongs to, or is characteristic of, singing done by many voices together. A "choristic" passage is one where the blend of voices matters more than any single singer.

Synonyms: choral, musical