Definition of the word cappella

The word "cappella" has its origins in Italian, and it can be traced back to the Middle Ages when small, bare-walled places of worship were commonly used to house chapels. These chapels, known as cappelle in Italian, were typically located within larger churches or monasteries, and they served as private spaces for prayer and contemplation. The term "cappella" comes from the Italian word "capella" which means "little chapel." It is believed that the word "cappella" was coined during the Renaissance, when music began to take center stage in many of these small chapels. As a result, the term "cappella" came to be associated not just with the physical space, but also with the musical ensembles that performed in these sacred settings. Over time, the term "cappella" came to be used more broadly to describe any ensemble of singers or musicians, regardless of their religious affiliation or performance venue. Today, the term "cappella" is still commonly used to refer to a group of singers a cappella, who perform without the accompaniment of instrumental music. In summary, the word "cappella" has its origins in the Italian word for "little chapel," and it can be traced back to the Middle Ages when small, bare-walled places of worship were commonly used to house chapels. As music began to gain prominence in these sacred spaces during the Renaissance, the term "cappella" came to be associated not just with the physical space, but also with the musical ensembles that performed there. Today, the term "cappella" continues to be used to describe any group of singers or musicians who perform a cappella.