by 
The Curious Bag
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Choral music is any music sung by a choir and consisting of two or more vocal lines, or parts. This musical form is based in western religion, but has grown and created other modern day sub-genres. The term "choral" can describe music sung by a chorus, a specific type of hymn or specific instruments used in the music.
History
In Ancient Greece, when theater was born out of religious ceremonies to the gods, the chorus was the group who commented on the action onstage by chanting their lines.
Time Frame
Early religions kept the tradition of monophonic chanting until the 6th century and the invention of the Gregorian Chant. Choral music is categorized by historical age: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth-Century and Modern.
Features
Choral music features multiple lines, or tones that are sung together. In descending order, soprano, alto, tenor and bass are the four main vocal ranges for singers.
Composers
Major composers that are known for their classical music, but also wrote choral music (secular and sacred) as well as operas, include Bach, Brahms, Hayden, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Strauss, Davies, Beethoven, Debussy, Gluck, Rachmaninoff, Shubert, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Wagner and Handel.
Significance
TV shows and movies like Glee, Clash of the Choirs, and Sister Act prove the modern-day popularity of choral music.
Source:
Encyclopedia Brittanica: Choral Music
Internet Public Library: Music History
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