All comes from italian language where vocal music traditionally
used to have a special place :
1 - solo
2 - duet
3 - trio
4 - quartet
5 - quintet
6 - sextet
7 - septet
8 - octet
Till 8 performers they still call it vocal or choral ensemble (group).
If at least two performers present every choir part, then there starts a CHOIR.
The traditional names for choir parts are:
- Soprano
- Alto
- Tenor
- Bass
Soprano and Alto parts set for woman voices, Tenor and Bass for men. Although there are exceptions, let's talk later about them. Each part can also divide into 2: In big mixed choirs we
can see Soprano I and Soprano II, etc for each part.
But in reality choirs and groups are very different, depending of the music genres that they make, for example: chamber, jazz, baroque, folk, gospel etc. There is also some history has been where the vocal genres have been forming. Also different types of choirs in different times were a part of church, theatre, could carry entertaining function too. Also they can vary according to participants: mixed choirs, woman's choirs, men's choirs, children choirs, and even more.
Here comes the video showing how choir parts appear in the music score.
Each one is placed here on separate stave, plus you can also see the piano part under all of them.
