Final answer:
Choral music without instrumental accompaniment is performed a cappella, which has a rich history in both religious and secular music, characterized by the use of harmony, rhythm, and melody through the human voice alone.
Step-by-step explanation:
Choral music without instrumental accompaniment is performed a cappella. This term is Italian, meaning 'in the manner of the chapel', and refers to choral singing without the use of musical instruments. Historically, many religious and sacred choral works were performed a cappella, reflecting the practices of certain faith communities that preferred or mandated unaccompanied worship music. Over time, a cappella singing has expanded into secular contexts as well, with many choirs and vocal groups across different cultures embracing the purity and challenge of performing without instrumental support. The human voice is versatile enough to provide harmony, rhythm, and melody, creating rich and intricate musical arrangements that can be as complex as those involving instruments.
Throughout history, there have been many different contexts and reasons for choosing a cappella performance. For example, medieval music often separated sacred music, like Gregorian chant, from secular forms. Polyphonic singing, where multiple independent melodies are sung simultaneously, developed during the medieval period and became prevalent in both religious settings and court consumption. Despite the growth of purely instrumental music and the combination of singing with instruments, a cappella performance has maintained its presence as a distinct and respected form of musical expression.