Choralia provides free training aids for choral singers. Audio files are provided, which allow singers to gradually learn their parts by listening to electronically-synthesized sound. Two technologies are available: CMS and VS. CMS stands for Client Music Synthesis, which is very easy to use but the voice is simulated with a simple sound without lyrics. VS stands for Virtual Singer, which also reproduces the lyrics. However, VS is slightly more difficult to use, especially if one wants to record the songs onto CDs. For both the technologies, three training levels are available: the first level, that only contains an individual part (say, alto), plus metronome clicks that help to learn the "tempo" and to understand the score; the second level, where all the choir voices are present, however the individual part is emphasized in comparison to the others, using a different sound and/or higher volume; and the third level, where all the voices are synthesized with the same sound and with the same volume. Initially, the singer should learn their part using the first two levels, and then to test their knowledge of the music by singing over the third-level audio track. If the singer is able to sing their part without being mislead by the other voices, they are probably ready for group rehearsal. If not, more practice with first or second level tracks may be required.

Our catalogue includes: G. Allegri Miserere J.S. Bach Cantata BWV147 - "Jesus bleibet meine Freude" "Jesu, meine Freude" BWV227 St. John Passion BWV245 Christmas Oratorio BWV248 - Cantata nr. 3 S. Barber Agnus Dei L. Van Beethoven Hallelujah from "Christ on the Mount of Olives", op. 85 T.L. De Victoria Missa "O magnum mysterium" G. Donizetti Messa di Requiem M. Duruflé Tantum Ergo G. Fauré Requiem op. 48 (2 editions) C. Gounod Ave verum J. Haydn Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) G. F. Händel Messiah (2 editions) ("Hallelujah" and "For unto us a child is born" also available separately) F. Martin Agnus Dei from "Mass for double choir" P. Mascagni Regina Coeli from "Cavalleria Rusticana" F. Mendelssohn Christe, du Lamm Gottes Elijah W.A. Mozart Missa brevis KV65 Inter natos mulierum KV72 Benedictus sit Deus KV117 Regina Coeli KV127 Te Deum KV141 Missa brevis in C "Spatzenmesse" KV220 Misericordias Domini KV222 Spaur-Messe (or Piccolomini-Messe) KV258 Sancta Maria, Mater Dei KV273 Missa brevis KV275 Regina coeli KV276 (2 editions) Alma Dei creatoris Mater KV277 Coronation Mass (Krönungs-Messe) KV317 Vesperae Solennes de Confessore KV339 Ave verum KV618 Requiem KV626 (2 editions) Lacrimosa and Amen from Requiem KV626 (version by R. Maunder) G.P. da Palestrina Missa Brevis L. Perosi The passion of Christ according to St. Mark F. Poulenc Litanies à la Vierge Noire G. Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle C. Saint-Saëns Christmas Oratorio op.12 A. Salieri Mass nr. 1 "Hofkapellmeister-Messe" Salve Regina F. Schubert Mass Nr. 2 in G Major D167 Stabat Mater D175 Mass Nr. 4 in C Major D452 Mirjam's Siegesgesang D942 Tantum Ergo D962 J. Stainer The Crucifixion W. Todd Ave Verum Corpus G. Verdi La Vergine degli Angeli from "La Forza del Destino" Messa da Requiem A. Vivaldi Gloria RV589 Credo RV591 Beatus vir RV597 Magnificat RV610

Listening to a recording of a real choir can be then regarded as a fourth training level, where one learns tempo and dynamics variations that, at least in part, are intentionally neglected at the previous levels. Group rehearsal may be considered as a fifth level, where the director will refine the choir interpretation, and will add their final and personalized touch.

Depending on their individual music skill, each singer will find the best level to start with. More experienced singers may skip the basic levels, while others will not.

Brief audio samples of the first three training levels for both the technologies are provided in the samples section. The standard products by Choralia are based on the principles described. Upon request, specific audio files can be made with variations with respect to the standard (e.g., with transposed pitch, or with slowed-down first-level tracks to help learning music when it is very fast, etc.). Please check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for details.

The easiest way to obtain the audio files is by using the CMS technology that Choralia specifically conceived to this purpose. In practice, you can download a relatively small (2 - 3 MB) executable file from this site, which will create upwards of ten of audio files on your PC, already divided into folders and ready to be recorded on CDs. CD cover sheets are also provided, ready for printing. The available CMS executable files can be downloaded from the CMS catalogue page. The audio files can be either directly played on the PC, or recorded onto CDs and listened using any CD player. It is also possible to record them on audio cassettes. Alternatively, CDs may be directly made by Choralia from the audio files and posted to you directly.

The VS technology is slightly more difficult to use, but it provides the benefit of the lyrics being actually sung by a synthesized voice. Not all the works available in CMS technology are also available in VS technology, as VS was introduced later than CMS. The works available in VS technology can be listened to and/or downloaded from the VS catalogue page.

All files can be downloaded and/or listened free of charge and without entering any personal information. However, a small donation is much appreciated, as producing such files and maintaining the website costs money and, especially, time. Donations increase the likelihood of more works being made available. See the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section for details about our licensing policy and reasonable donation amounts.