A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Verse

by John Stainer

VERSE. A term used in church music to signify that an anthem or service contains portions for voices soli—duets, trios, etc. The origin of the term is obscure; but it is possible that it arose from a colloquial expression that certain services or anthems contained verses (i.e. portions of canticles or of Scripture) to be sung by soloists. A verse-service or verse-anthem sometimes includes portions set for a voice solo. When one voice maintains the chief part of an anthem it is described as a 'Solo-anthem': but the expression solo-service is rarely used. Some writers only employ the term verse-anthem when an anthem commences with voices soli. An anthem which commences with a chorus followed by parts for soli voices is termed 'full with verse.'

[ J. S. ]