Barbershop quartet is a type of musical group that typically consists of four singers who sing in harmony without any musical accompaniment. It is a unique style of music that originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has since spread to other parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of barbershop quartet, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
A barbershop quartet is a style of vocal harmony that is characterized by four-part a cappella singing, typically consisting of a lead, tenor, baritone, and bass. The lead is the melody singer, the tenor harmonizes above the lead, the baritone harmonizes below the lead, and the bass sings the lowest notes. The term “barbershop” refers to the style’s origins in barbershops, where men would gather and sing together.
Origin
The barbershop quartet style of music originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It was popularized by African American men who would gather in barbershops to sing together. The style was later adopted by white men, and it became a popular form of entertainment in the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a barbershop quartet is “a group of four singers who perform vocal harmony without instrumental accompaniment, typically in the barbershop style.”
Merriam-Webster defines a barbershop quartet as “a group of four singers who sing in close harmony without instrumental accompaniment and often in the barbershop style.”
Associations
Barbershop quartets are often associated with traditional American music and are commonly performed at patriotic events, such as Fourth of July celebrations. They are also popular at weddings, as they provide a unique and intimate form of entertainment. In addition, barbershop quartets are often associated with men’s groups, such as fraternal organizations and social clubs.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for barbershop quartet include a cappella quartet, vocal quartet, and harmony quartet.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for barbershop quartet, as it is a unique style of music.
The same root words
The term “barbershop” in barbershop quartet refers to the style’s origins in barbershops, where men would gather and sing together. The term “quartet” refers to the four singers who make up the group.
Example Sentences
- The barbershop quartet performed a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America” at the Fourth of July celebration.
- The groom surprised his bride by hiring a barbershop quartet to sing at their wedding reception.
- The men’s club organized a barbershop quartet competition, and the winning group received a trophy.
Barbershop quartet is a unique style of music that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It consists of four singers who sing in close harmony without any musical accompaniment. Barbershop quartets are often associated with traditional American music and are commonly performed at patriotic events and weddings. They provide a unique and intimate form of entertainment and are a beloved part of American musical culture.