Cambridge Chord Company

Barbershop is a style of a cappella music, that is, unaccompanied singing. The name refers to the historical origins of the style, supposedly begun by groups of men singing at the barber's shop while waiting their turn. Nowadays barbershop music is sung by men and women, and there are flourishing organizations for both sexes. The societies to which barbershoppers belong encourage the preservation of the original style, typified by songs from the early part of the twentieth century.

The style is four part close harmony, with the melody in the second voice part. The parts are named tenor, lead, baritone and bass: the lead sings the tune, with the tenor harmonizing above and the bass below, and the baritone completing the chord. Barbershop songs are 'easily singable' and performed to provide the audience with an emotionally satisfying and entertaining experience.

Find out more about barbershop music from the Barbershop Harmony Society. Their details are on our links page.