A cappella

Description

A cappella music is characterized by vocal performances without instrumental accompaniment. It often features harmonized singing and can range from simple melodies to complex arrangements.

History

A cappella has its roots in religious music, particularly within the Christian church, where it was used in liturgical settings. The term itself means 'in the manner of the chapel' in Italian. Over time, a cappella evolved beyond religious contexts and became popular in secular music, including barbershop quartets and collegiate a cappella groups. The genre gained mainstream popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, partly due to media exposure through films and television shows.