Four-part chorus

A four-part chorus is form of vocal music sung using four-part harmony. In classical music it is normally denoted by the acronym SATB which stands for the voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

The voice parts in a classical four part chorus can be sung by different combinations of voice types. It can be a mixed chorus of male and female voices, or an all-male chorus using boys, for example, to sing the higher parts. All male or all female choirs have a different sound than mixed choruses, and whether one likes them or not is a matter of individual preference.

A barbershop quartet is an a cappella form of four-part chorus.