Turba
/ˈtɜːr.bə/noun
A crowd or chorus of people, especially the crowd parts in a musical setting such as a Passion or oratorio.
Did you know?The medieval alchemical text Turba Philosophorum, or “Assembly of Philosophers,” presents secret teachings as a dramatic debate among ancient sages.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
tyrbē
“Confusion, tumult, or disorder; often considered a possible related form, though the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
turba
“A crowd, throng, multitude, or noisy disturbance.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
turba
“A crowd or chorus, including the collective voices in dramatic and religious performance.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Turba Philosophorum
““Assembly of Philosophers,” the title of an influential alchemical dialogue compiled in Arabic and translated into Latin.”
Modern English
English
turba
“A crowd or chorus, especially the crowd roles in sacred dramatic music such as a Passion.”