choral
Related to a choir or intended for a choir; set in multiple parts for singing voices.
EXAMPLE
Das Oratorium endet mit einem mächtigen choralen Satz.
The oratorio ends with a powerful choral movement.
choral
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Meanings
choral
chorale-like
In the style of a chorale; simple, solemn, and sustained like a church hymn.
EXAMPLE
Der langsame Satz der Sinfonie beginnt mit einem choralen Thema in den Blechbläsern.
The slow movement of the symphony begins with a chorale-like theme in the brass.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'choral' is closely related to the nouns 'der Chor' (choir, a group of singers) and 'der Choral' (chorale, a solemn church hymn). This connection helps with understanding the meanings.
EXAMPLE
Der Chor übt für seinen Auftritt am Sonntag.
The choir is rehearsing for its performance on Sunday.
Register: technical language
'Choral' is a technical term from music. In normal everyday language, this word is hardly used. You find it mainly in concert reviews, program notes, or musicological texts.
EXAMPLE
In der Musikanalyse beschrieb der Professor den choralen Charakter des Stücks.
In the music analysis, the professor described the choral character of the piece.
Context clue
You can distinguish the two meanings: if 'choral' refers to the scoring/forces (e.g. 'ein choraler Satz'—a choral movement), the first meaning is intended (for choir). If it describes the character of the music (e.g. 'ein chorales Thema'—a chorale-like theme), the second meaning is intended (solemn, sustained), even if only instruments are playing.
EXAMPLE
Die Komposition ist rein instrumental, hat aber einen choralen Klang.
The composition is purely instrumental, but it has a chorale-like sound.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'solemn, sustained', 'choral' is often combined with words that describe musical character, such as 'choraler Klang' (chorale-like sound), 'chorales Thema' (chorale-like theme), or 'chorale Wirkung' (chorale-like effect).
EXAMPLE
Die Orgel erzeugte einen sehr choralen Klang in der Kirche.
The organ produced a very chorale-like sound in the church.
Compare with
choral vs Chor
choir
As a noun, der Chor can refer to a piece of music for a singing group. Choral, on the other hand, is an adjective and describes music that is related to a choir or arranged in multiple parts for singing voices.
choral
Das Finale des Werks ist choral für vier Stimmen gesetzt.
The work's finale is set chorally for four voices.
Chor
Das Finale des Werks ist ein Chor für vier Stimmen.
The work's finale is a chorus for four voices.
In real life
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