01
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
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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 einstimmig
unanimous / monophonic
'einstimmig' and 'choral' are opposites in music when it comes to the number of voices. 'einstimmig' means that there is only one melodic line. 'choral' refers to a choir and is often set for multiple singing voices. Important: 'einstimmig' can also mean, in votes, that everyone agrees; that meaning has nothing to do with 'choral'. In music, this simple guide helps: 'einstimmig' is one voice or melody; 'choral' belongs to a choir and often sounds polyphonic.
choral
In der Kirche klang das chorale Stück besonders feierlich.
In the church, the choral piece sounded especially solemn.
einstimmig
Die Kinder sangen das Lied zuerst einstimmig, damit alle die Melodie lernen.
The children first sang the song in unison so that everyone could learn the melody.
In real life
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