choirlike

Choirlike is an adjective used in music criticism and theory to describe a texture, timbre, or effect that resembles a choir or choral singing. It denotes a sense of smooth blend, multiple voices or parts, or a choral sonority achieved without an actual choir. In vocal music, choirlike writing typically features several independent lines that blend into a unified sound, with attention to balance among parts similar to four-part or SATB singing. In instrumental textures, composers may imitate choirlike sonority by layering voices, using divisi sections, or employing staggered entrances to create the impression of a chorus.

Usage examples include descriptions of passages in orchestral or choral-inspired works where voices or instruments imitate a choir, either through imitative counterpoint, chordal homogeneity, or sustained, blended timbres. The term is descriptive rather than a formal technical category; it highlights the perception of collective, ensemble singing rather than a specific technique.

Relation to other terms: related to choral, polyphonic texture, and vocal blending. The concept can be found in music criticism, program notes, and analyses of arrangements that aim to evoke a choir’s sound, whether produced by actual singers or by instruments.