Chorale
/kɔːˈrɑːl/noun
A hymn or hymnlike composition, especially one associated with Lutheran church music.
Did you know?Chorale comes through German from Latinized church music traditions tied to the Greek chorus, where collective singing was used to shape ritual, drama, and devotion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χορός (khorós)
“A dance, a band of singers and dancers, or the chorus in drama.”
Late Latin
Latin
chorus
“A chorus or company of singers.”
Old French
French
choral
“Of or relating to a choir; sung by a choir.”
17th Century
German
Choral
“A Lutheran hymn tune or congregational song.”
18th Century
English
chorale
“A hymn, especially a Lutheran hymn tune or harmonized hymn setting.”