Main Entry: a cap·pel·la
Variant(s): also a ca·pel·la /"ä-k&-'pe-l&/
Function: adverb or adjective
Etymology: Italian a cappella in chapel style
Date: circa 1864
: without instrumental accompaniment

- Per Merriam Webster Dictionary -

Sounds like you are both correct. (no pun intended)

-----Original Message-----
From: HP-3000 Systems Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Stan Sieler
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2000 1:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Keeping Up With the Joneses


Re:
> > The board's so happy, they're singing songs of joy... a capella.
>
> Ah, but, Stan... if I remember my music right (and I am not a musician nor
> even musically inclined), if they were singing "a capella" they would be
> singing without him. ["a capella" means "without accompaniment".]  So,

I checked my local expert, Steve Cooper.  He said "a capella" means
"in the chapel", although many people do think it means
"without accompaniment" (I thought so too).

(Actually, I asked him 'does it mean "without music"', and answered
my own question: sometimes, it sure does! :)

Stan Sieler                                           [log in to unmask]
www.allegro.com/sieler/wanted/index.html          www.allegro.com/sieler