What is 'cori spezzati'?

Cori spezzati, which translates to "split choirs" in Italian, refers to a performance practice in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods where two or more choirs are positioned in different locations within a performance space. This spatial arrangement creates a unique acoustic effect, allowing for the interplay of voices and creating a rich, multi-dimensional sound experience that enhances the musical work.

This technique gained prominence particularly in the music of composers such as Giovanni Gabrieli, who utilized it to exploit the architectural acoustics of churches and cathedrals. The separation of choirs not only served to enrich the overall sound but also offered a visual spectacle, enhancing the dramatic and expressive qualities of the music.

The other choices do not align with the historical context of 'cori spezzati.' Vocal improvisation or choirs singing in unison do not encompass the concept of spatial separation and acoustic interplay essential to cori spezzati. Similarly, the notion of a form of choral competition does not accurately describe the practice, which focuses on the arrangement and performance of choirs rather than competitive elements.