# choir

> division on pipe organ

**Wikidata**: [Q16293243](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16293243)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/choir-q16293243

## Summary
A choir, also known by aliases such as Rückpositiv or Chair organ, is a division within a pipe organ. It represents a distinct group of pipes and stops, contributing to the instrument's overall sound palette. This division is fundamental to the versatility and expressive capabilities of the instrument.

## Key Facts
- A choir is defined as a division on a pipe organ.
- It is also classified as an instance of an organ manual.
- The entity is a subclass of both an organ case and a pipe organ.
- Common aliases include Rückpositiv, Chair organ, dorsal positive, positif de dos, petit buffet, Positiv, RP, and Rückwerk.
- It has a sitelink count of 5.
- The entity is described by Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, 4th edition (1885–1890).
- It is related to the organ manual, which is a musical keyboard on an organ played with the hands.
- Wikipedia entries are available in German (de), Frisian (fy), Hungarian (hu), Dutch (nl), and Swedish (sv).
- Its Google Knowledge Graph ID is /g/1pz2twhgt.
- An image associated with the entity is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Orgue_de_St_Pons_de_Thomières02.jpg.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a choir in the context of a pipe organ?
A: A choir is a division on a pipe organ, representing a distinct group of pipes and stops. It is also known by various aliases such as Rückpositiv or Chair organ, and contributes to the instrument's overall sound.

### Q: What are some alternative names for a choir organ division?
A: A choir organ division has several aliases, including Rückpositiv, Chair organ, dorsal positive, positif de dos, petit buffet, Positiv, RP, and Rückwerk, reflecting its historical and regional variations.

### Q: Is a choir considered an organ manual?
A: According to structured properties, a choir is considered an instance of an organ manual, though it is primarily defined as a division on a pipe organ. An organ manual itself is a musical keyboard played with the hands.

### Q: What is the relationship between a choir and a pipe organ?
A: A choir is a division on a pipe organ, meaning it is a distinct section of the instrument's pipework and stops. Structured data also classifies it as a subclass of a pipe organ and an organ case.

## Why It Matters
A choir, as a distinct division, is fundamental to the versatility and expressive capabilities of a pipe organ. It allows for a rich palette of sounds, enabling organists to create varied musical textures and dynamics. Its historical presence, evidenced by numerous aliases like Rückpositiv and Chair organ, highlights its enduring role in organ construction across different regions and eras. This division often provides a contrasting or accompanying voice to the main organ, enriching the overall sonic experience and allowing for complex musical arrangements. Without such divisions, the pipe organ would lack the depth and flexibility that make it a powerful and revered instrument in musical traditions, capable of performing a wide range of repertoire from solo pieces to accompaniment.

## Notable For
- Being a distinct division within a pipe organ, offering a specific tonal character and contributing to the instrument's versatility.
- Its historical significance, reflected in a multitude of aliases such as Rückpositiv, Chair organ, and Positiv.
- Its role in providing contrasting or accompanying voices to other organ divisions, enhancing the overall musical texture.
- Its classification in structured data as an instance of an organ manual and a subclass of an organ case and pipe organ.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
A choir is fundamentally defined as a division on a pipe organ. This means it constitutes a distinct section of the instrument, comprising a specific set of pipes and stops that produce a particular tonal quality. According to structured properties, it is also classified as an instance of an organ manual. Furthermore, it is considered a subclass of both an organ case and a pipe organ.

### Aliases and Terminology
The entity is known by several aliases, reflecting its historical and regional variations in organ building. These include:
- Rückpositiv
- Chair organ
- dorsal positive
- positif de dos
- petit buffet
- Positiv
- RP
- Rückwerk

### Related Entities
A choir is related to the "organ manual," which is defined as a musical keyboard on an organ played with the hands. This relationship highlights that while a choir is a division of pipes, it is typically controlled from one or more organ manuals.

### Source and Identifiers
The entity is described by Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, 4th edition (1885–1890). It has a sitelink count of 5, indicating its presence in various knowledge bases. Wikipedia entries for "choir" in this context are available in German (de), Frisian (fy), Hungarian (hu), Dutch (nl), and Swedish (sv). Its unique identifier in the Google Knowledge Graph is /g/1pz2twhgt. An associated image can be found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Orgue_de_St_Pons_de_Thomières02.jpg.