History Of Choir Robes(2)

Early Christianity

The first four centuries of Christianity did not involve a special robe, tunic, vestment or other garb for members of the clergy nor presumably for choirs used in a religious setting or otherwise clergy robes. Tunics remained the primary article of clothing, typically knee-length to ankle-length, usually with a cincture. Often, an additional article of clothing known as a himation was worn. This was rectangular, and wrapped around ones body over the tunic. Himations came in various colors, qualities, and designs dependant on occupation, gender, and status. There is no evidence that the himation became a clerical vestment. Over time clergy vestments became richer and made of costlier materials, and beauty played a larger role in church garments. It is unknown if choirs of this time followed suit, though it seems likely.  
 Medieval Era

Until this time, music notations for choirs typically used only small notes sketched above words indicating the fall or rise of voice, but not duration or note pitch. Choir music evolved in this era to include the Gregorian chant, named after Pope Gregory I. He also mandated music standardization, including rules for composers and musicians for performing and writing music. Boys choirs also began to rise in prominence at this time. Because many of the better schools were associated with the Church, they also trained boys for choirs. Examples include the “Ratisbonne Choir”, started in Germany near the end of the tenth century, and “Kings College Choir” in England. Eventually, all major churches of the era included choristers.
  Renaissance
Secular choirs started to gain influence once wealthy patrons started sponsoring musicians in the Renaissance period. The oldest written evidence of polyphonic choral singing dates from the late 1300s to around 1420 with the Old Hall Manuscript (pictured to the left). This document uses divisi (two or more voices per part). Choir fashions followed the fashion trends of clergy. With the rise of the surplice (white, sleeved, blouse-like shirt with lace trim worn over a cassock) worn over a cassock (plain black, long-sleeved, ankle-length tunic) as the official clergy garment, choirs also adopted this style. Uniformity and a formalization of a “choir look” came about. Sacred choral music rose to prominence as the foremost formal music in Europe. During the era, music composition produced hundreds of motets and masses for primarily a cappella choirs. Choral music composed during this era remains desirable even today. A setting for 3–6 voices of a secular text known as a Madrigal also became popular at this time. Madrigals were initially concerning dramatic settings, typically of mythology or unrequited love based on Italian poetry. However, the setting usually changed to a more cheerful tone once exported England, with subjects such as Easter or spring. Like the Medieval period, the trend in choir apparel followed the fashion trends of the day. While a separate look was established for the choir, uniformity in color and design was not required.