Chorus vs. Ensemble: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on October 22, 2023
Chorus typically refers to a group singing in unison or a repeated section in a song; Ensemble denotes a group of musicians, actors, or dancers performing together.
Key Differences
Chorus is a term that primarily indicates a collective of singers, especially one that sings in unison or harmony, often accompanying a soloist. Ensemble, in contrast, is a broader term that encompasses any group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together, regardless of the art form.
Within the context of music, particularly in songs and hymns, a Chorus refers to the repeated section, usually after each verse, that has consistent lyrics and tune. On the other hand, Ensemble can specifically relate to a group of instrumentalists playing together, like a string ensemble or wind ensemble.
In theater and operatic contexts, the Chorus can signify a group of performers who comment on the main action, traditionally speaking or singing together. Contrarily, Ensemble can point to the collective cast of a theatrical production, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their performance.
Chorus can also denote the harmonized voice parts sung by a group, often emphasizing unity and cohesion. Meanwhile, Ensemble can refer to the overall sound or effect achieved by a group of musicians or performers, indicating their coordinated effort and unity.
While the term Chorus is mostly affiliated with vocal performances, both in a group setting and as a repeated section in songs, Ensemble is more versatile. It can relate to a coordinated outfit or a set of complementary items, showing its diverse application beyond the realm of performances.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Group of singers
Group of musicians, actors, or dancers
Musical Structure
Repeated section in a song
Group of instrumentalists
Theatrical Context
Performers commenting on main action
Collective cast of a production
Vocal Emphasis
Harmonized voice parts sung by a group
Overall sound or effect by a group of performers
Extended Application
Primarily vocal performances
Can refer to coordinated outfits or set of items
ADVERTISEMENT
Chorus and Ensemble Definitions
Chorus
A group of people singing together.
The chorus performed a harmonious rendition of the song.
Ensemble
A set of complementary items.
The furniture ensemble enhanced the room's aesthetics.
Chorus
Group in drama who comment on the action.
In Greek tragedies, the chorus plays a pivotal role.
Ensemble
A group of musicians performing together.
The ensemble played a mesmerizing symphony.
Chorus
A group of singers who perform together, usually singing multi-part compositions with more than one singer for each part.
Ensemble
The entire cast of a theatrical production.
The ensemble received a standing ovation for their performance.
Chorus
A group of vocalists and dancers who support the soloists and leading performers in operas, musical comedies, and revues.
Ensemble
The overall sound produced by a group.
The ensemble's harmony was impeccable.
Chorus
A musical composition usually in four or more parts written for a large number of singers.
Ensemble
A coordinated outfit or costume.
Chorus
A refrain in a song, especially one in which the soloist is joined by other performers or audience members.
Ensemble
A coordinated set of furniture.
Chorus
A solo section based on the main melody of a popular song and played by a member of the group.
Ensemble
A group of musicians, singers, dancers, or actors who perform together
An improvisational theater ensemble.
A woodwind ensemble.
Chorus
A group of persons who speak or sing in unison a given part or composition in drama or poetry recitation.
Ensemble
A work for two or more vocalists or instrumentalists.
Chorus
An actor in Elizabethan drama who recites the prologue and epilogue to a play and sometimes comments on the action.
Ensemble
The performance of such a work.
Chorus
A group in a classical Greek drama whose songs and dances present an exposition of or, in later tradition, a disengaged commentary on the action.
Ensemble
A group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole.
Chorus
The portion of a classical Greek drama consisting of choric dance and song.
Ensemble
(fashion) A coordinated costume or outfit; a suit.
Chorus
A speech, song, or other utterance made in concert by many people.
Ensemble
(collective) A group of musicians, dancers, actors, etc who perform together; e.g. the chorus of a ballet company.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance by a number of people
A chorus of jeers from the bystanders.
Ensemble
(music) A piece for several instrumentalists or vocalists.
Chorus
A simultaneous production of sound by numerous animals
The midday chorus of cicadas.
Ensemble
A probability distribution for the state of the system.
Chorus
A simultaneous production of sound by numerous inanimate objects
A chorus of lawnmowers from the neighborhood's backyards.
Ensemble
(machine learning) A supervised learning algorithm combining multiple hypotheses.
Chorus
To sing or utter in chorus.
Ensemble
To put together in a coordinated whole.
Chorus
A group of singers and dancers in a theatrical performance or religious festival who commented on the main performance in speech or song.
Ensemble
(music) To perform in a musical ensemble.
Chorus
A song performed by the singers of such a group.
Ensemble
The whole; all the parts taken together.
Chorus
An actor who reads the prologue and epilogue of a play, and sometimes also acts as a commentator or narrator; also, a portion of a play read by this actor.
Ensemble
All at once; together.
Chorus
A group of singers performing together; a choir; specifically, such a group singing together in a musical, an opera, etc., as distinct from the soloists; an ensemble.
The performance of the chorus was awe-inspiring and exhilarating.
Ensemble
A group of musicians playing or singing together;
A string ensemble
Chorus
(by extension) A group of people in a performance who recite together.
Ensemble
A cast other than the principles
Chorus
An instance of singing by a group of people.
Ensemble
The chorus of a ballet company
Chorus
(figuratively)
Ensemble
An assemblage of parts or details (as in a work of art) considered as forming a whole
Chorus
A group of people or animals who make sounds together.
A chorus of crickets
A chorus of whiners
Ensemble
A coordinated outfit (set of clothing)
Chorus
The noise or sound made by such a group.
A chorus of shouts and catcalls
Ensemble
A coordinated outfit or look.
Her ensemble was the talk of the party.
Chorus
(music)
Chorus
A piece of music, especially one in a larger work such as an opera, written to be sung by a choir in parts (for example, by sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses).
Chorus
A part of a song which is repeated between verses; a refrain.
The catchiest part of most songs is the chorus.
Chorus
The main part of a pop song played after the introduction.
Chorus
A group of organ pipes or organ stops intended to be played simultaneously; a compound stop; also, the sound made by such pipes or stops.
Chorus
A feature or setting in electronic music that makes one instrument sound like many.
Chorus
(Christianity) A simple, often repetitive, song intended to be sung in a group during informal worship.
Chorus
(jazz) The improvised solo section in a small group performance.
Chorus
(transitive)
Chorus
To sing (a song), express (a sentiment), or recite or say (words) in chorus.
Chorus
To express concurrence with (something said by another person); to echo.
Chorus
(rare) To provide (a song) with a chorus or refrain.
Chorus
(intransitive)
Chorus
To sing the chorus or refrain of a song.
Chorus
To sing, express, or say in, or as if in, unison.
Chorus
To echo in unison another person's words.
Chorus
Of animals: to make cries or sounds together.
Chorus
A band of singers and dancers.
The Grecian tragedy was at first nothing but a chorus of singers.
Chorus
A company of persons supposed to behold what passed in the acts of a tragedy, and to sing the sentiments which the events suggested in couplets or verses between the acts; also, that which was thus sung by the chorus.
What the lofty, grave tragedians taughtIn chorus or iambic.
Chorus
An interpreter in a dumb show or play.
Chorus
A company of singers singing in concert.
Chorus
A composition of two or more parts, each of which is intended to be sung by a number of voices.
Chorus
Parts of a song or hymn recurring at intervals, as at the end of stanzas; also, a company of singers who join with the singer or choir in singer or choir in singing such parts.
Chorus
The simultaneous of a company in any noisy demonstration; as, a Chorus of shouts and catcalls.
Chorus
To sing in chorus; to exclaim simultaneously.
Chorus
Any utterance produced simultaneously by a group;
A chorus of boos
Chorus
A group of people assembled to sing together
Chorus
The part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
Chorus
A body of dancers or singers who perform together
Chorus
A company of actors who comment (by speaking or singing in unison) on the action in a classical Greek play
Chorus
Utter in unison;
`yes,' the children chorused
Chorus
Sing in a choir
Chorus
The part of a song repeated after each verse.
The chorus of the song is very catchy.
Chorus
Harmonized voice parts sung together.
The choir broke into a beautiful chorus.
Chorus
A simultaneous utterance by many people.
There was a chorus of approval from the audience.
FAQs
Can Ensemble refer to actors?
Yes, it can denote the entire cast of a theatrical production.
What does a Chorus typically consist of?
A group of people singing together.
What does Ensemble mean in music?
A group of musicians performing together.
How is Chorus used in song structures?
It refers to a repeated section after each verse.
What's a fashion Ensemble?
A coordinated outfit or look.
Can Ensemble relate to non-performance contexts?
Yes, like a set of complementary items or a coordinated look.
Is a band considered an Ensemble?
Yes, a band is an ensemble of musicians.
Can Chorus mean agreement?
Yes, as in a chorus of approval from many people simultaneously.
How does an Ensemble ensure harmony?
Through coordinated efforts and practice to produce a collective sound.
Is Chorus exclusive to Western music?
No, many cultures have their form of group singing that can be termed a chorus.
Can Ensemble be used in dance?
Yes, it can denote a group of dancers performing together.
Does Chorus always mean singing?
Primarily, but in drama, it can mean performers commenting on the action.
How does an Ensemble differ from a solo performance?
An ensemble is collaborative, involving multiple performers, unlike a solo.
Are choruses always large?
Not necessarily; they can vary in size.
Can a Chorus accompany a soloist?
Yes, often choruses back up a main singer or soloist.
How vital is a Chorus in songwriting?
It often serves as a memorable and catchy part of a song.
Can Chorus mean a repeated refrain?
Yes, in songs, it's the part that's often repeated.
How is Chorus used in operas?
As a group of singers who often support or comment on the main action.
What makes an Ensemble stand out?
The collective talent and coordination of its members.
What's the essence of an Ensemble's harmony?
The coordinated and unified efforts of its members.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
