A cappella is a term that refers to vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment. It has been a popular musical style for centuries, and its popularity has only grown in recent years with the rise of a cappella groups and competitions. However, there has been some confusion regarding the proper spelling of the term, with some people using “a capella” or “acapella” instead. In this article, we will explore the origins of the term and the reasons why “a cappella” is the correct spelling.
The term “a cappella” is of Italian origin, and it translates to “in the style of the chapel.” This is because, in the early days of vocal music, the chapel was the only place where people could perform music without instruments. The term was first used in the 16th century, and it has been used ever since to describe music that is performed without accompaniment.
The spelling of the term has evolved over time, and it has been spelled in various ways. In some cases, it has been spelled as “a capella,” which is an Anglicized version of the original Italian term. In other cases, it has been spelled as “acapella,” which is a common misspelling of the term.
The correct spelling of the term is “a cappella,” with two “p’s” and two “l’s.” This is the spelling that is recognized by most dictionaries and music organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which governs a cappella competitions in the United States.
Professor Paul Brians of Washington State University writes:
In referring to singing unaccompanied by instruments, the traditional spelling is the Italian one, a cappella: two words, two Ps, two Ls. The Latin spelling a capella is learned, but in the realm of musical terminology, we usually stick with Italian. The one-word spelling “acapella” is widely used by Americans, including by some performing groups, but this is generally regarded by music experts as an error.
The proper spelling of the term is “a cappella” with two “p’s” and two “l’s.” This spelling reflects the original Italian spelling of the term, distinguishes it from other similar terms, and is the most commonly used spelling. Whether you are a fan of a cappella music or a performer yourself, it is important to use the correct spelling of the term to ensure that you are communicating clearly and effectively.
