song, piece of music performed by a single voice, with or without instrumental accompaniment. Works for several voices are called duets, trios, and so on; larger ensembles sing choral music. Speech and music have been combined from earliest times; music heightens the effect of words, allowing them to be rendered with a projection and passion that is difficult to attain in speech alone. Singing style differs both within and between cultures, often reflecting such variables as the ideals of social interaction, perceptions of the spirit world, and the degree to which a society uses writing as a principal means of ...(100 of 857 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.