Which term means "without instrumental accompaniment"?

Which term means "without instrumental accompaniment"?

• A. a cappella
• B. divisi
• C. diphthong
• D. dolce

Answer: (A)

A cappella describes singing without instrumental accompaniment. This means the voices carry the music entirely, without instruments providing harmony, rhythm, or support. The term comes from Italian, historically referring to performances done in chapels, where instruments weren't used; in choir practice today it signals a unaccompanied vocal texture requiring precise blend and intonation. Divisi means the choir splits into separate groups to sing different parts, which is about texture, not accompaniment. Diphthong refers to a vowel sound made with a glide from one vowel to another, a pronunciation detail rather than a performance context. Dolce is a direction for singing smoothly and sweetly, focusing on tone and character rather than whether instruments are used.

A cappella describes singing without instrumental accompaniment. This means the voices carry the music entirely, without instruments providing harmony, rhythm, or support. The term comes from Italian, historically referring to performances done in chapels, where instruments weren't used; in choir practice today it signals a unaccompanied vocal texture requiring precise blend and intonation.

Divisi means the choir splits into separate groups to sing different parts, which is about texture, not accompaniment. Diphthong refers to a vowel sound made with a glide from one vowel to another, a pronunciation detail rather than a performance context. Dolce is a direction for singing smoothly and sweetly, focusing on tone and character rather than whether instruments are used.