What is cappella singing?

Answer 1

"A Cappella" music: In the simplest common usage, it is music sung without instrumental accompaniment, but the "actual" definition is somewhat more broad; the following rambling on the topic is taken from the a cappella FAQ. The phrase a cappella is Italian in origin, as are most musical terms. Literally it translates to "in the style of the chapel," which does not mean "unaccompanied." It refers to choral music without separate instrumental accompaniment. Instruments may be used to double the vocal parts, eg using an electric bass to strengthen the vocal bass line, and the piece is still a cappella. In light of this, an "a cappella group" is one that sings a cappella music, with or without instrumental doubling. But does a group such as the Nylons, who often use synthesized bass, or Boyz II Men, who perform some a cappella but mostly accompanied, qualify as an a cappella group? This question is left to individual discretion and opinion. The spelling of "a cappella" can also get on some people's nerves if not done properly: a letter to the editor in the Contemporary A Cappella Newsletter commented: ... in truth, "a capella" means "in your hair," "a cappello" means "in your hat," and "A Capella" is an astronomical reference to the first planet circling the star Capella in the constellation Auriga. ;-)