# choir

> ensemble of singers

**Wikidata**: [Q131186](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131186)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choir)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/choir

## Summary
A choir is an ensemble of singers who perform choral music together. Choirs can range from small chamber groups to large symphonic choruses and are found in various cultural and religious contexts worldwide. They are typically led by a choir director and perform a wide repertoire of vocal music.

## Key Facts
- A choir is defined as an ensemble of singers (wikidata_description).
- Choirs are classified under the genre of choral music (field_of_work).
- The concept of choir originated in Ancient Greece (country_of_origin).
- Choirs have a specific Dewey Decimal Classification of 782.5 (dewey_decimal_classification).
- The term "choir" has multiple aliases including chorale, chorus, and orfeón (aliases).
- Choirs are instances of a type of musical group (instance_of).
- Choirs are subclasses of both vocal ensemble and organization (subclass_of).
- The English Wikipedia article for "Choir" has been translated into 10 languages (wikipedia_languages).
- The topic has a dedicated subreddit at r/choir (subreddit).
- Choirs are categorized under "Category:Choirs" on Wikipedia (topic's_main_category).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a choir and a chorus?
A: A choir and a chorus are essentially the same thing - both terms refer to an ensemble of singers. The terms are used interchangeably in most contexts, though "choir" is more commonly used in religious settings while "chorus" is often used in theatrical or operatic contexts.

### Q: How many singers are typically in a choir?
A: The size of a choir can vary dramatically, from small chamber choirs with 8-16 singers to large symphonic choirs with 100 or more members. The specific number depends on the type of music being performed and the venue where they sing.

### Q: What types of music do choirs perform?
A: Choirs perform a wide range of vocal music including classical choral works, religious music, folk songs, contemporary compositions, and popular music arrangements. The repertoire spans centuries of musical history and includes both a cappella and accompanied works.

## Why It Matters
Choirs represent one of humanity's oldest and most universal forms of musical expression, serving as a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual life across civilizations. They provide a unique way for people to come together through music, creating harmony both literally and metaphorically. Choirs play vital roles in religious services, cultural celebrations, and community events, fostering social cohesion and preserving musical traditions. They also serve as important educational tools, teaching music literacy, teamwork, and discipline to participants of all ages. In the professional realm, choirs contribute significantly to the classical music ecosystem, commissioning new works, preserving historical repertoire, and providing employment for musicians. The choral tradition has evolved to encompass diverse styles and cultural expressions, making it a living, breathing art form that continues to adapt and thrive in contemporary society.

## Notable For
- Ancient Greek origins as one of the earliest forms of organized vocal music
- Diverse global presence with thousands of active choirs across all continents
- Wide range of sizes from intimate chamber groups to massive symphonic choruses
- Significant cultural and religious importance in ceremonies and celebrations
- Educational value in teaching music, teamwork, and cultural heritage

## Body
### Historical Development
The concept of choral singing dates back to Ancient Greece, where choruses played a central role in theatrical performances and religious ceremonies. Over centuries, the choir evolved through various cultural contexts, from medieval church choirs to Renaissance polyphony and modern symphonic choruses.

### Types and Classifications
Choirs can be classified by various criteria:
- By voice type: mixed, male, female, children's
- By size: chamber, concert, symphonic
- By function: church, school, community, professional
- By repertoire: classical, contemporary, ethnic, popular

### Organizational Structure
A typical choir includes:
- Choir director/conductor who leads rehearsals and performances
- Section leaders who guide individual voice parts
- Accompanist/pianist for rehearsals and some performances
- Administrative support for logistics and management

### Performance Contexts
Choirs perform in diverse settings:
- Religious services (churches, synagogues, temples)
- Concert halls and theaters
- Community events and festivals
- Educational institutions
- Recording studios
- Virtual/online platforms

### Repertoire and Music
Choral music encompasses:
- A cappella works (unaccompanied vocal music)
- Accompanied works with piano, organ, or orchestra
- Sacred music from various religious traditions
- Secular classical compositions
- Contemporary and popular arrangements
- Folk and traditional music from around the world

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Choir",
  "description": "An ensemble of singers who perform choral music together",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choir",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48183",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48183"
  ],
  "additionalType": "MusicalGroup",
  "genre": "Choral music",
  "origin": "Ancient Greece"
}

## References

1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=16305)
2. Nuovo soggettario
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. BBC Things
5. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
6. Quora
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
8. KBpedia
9. GF WordNet
10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)