antiphonal singing or duet?

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

What is the difference between antiphonal singing and duet?

For example, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston sang ‘When you believe’ together and The Papas and The Mamas ‘California Dreaming’.

Is it appropriate to say that ‘When you believe’ or ‘California Dreaming’ is a duet?

Thanks a lot!!

2

You are using the term ‘antiphonal singing’ out of the correct context. That term only applies to church liturgy, so it is incorrect to compare the difference between those two terms.

A duet is sung by two people, therefore you could say that ‘When You Believe’ is a duet.
The Mamas and the Papas were a larger group. You could refer to it as a quartet (song for 4 people), but usually it would not be referenced in this way.

3

Got it. Thanks. I never knew the Mamas and the Papas were a Larger group. Thank you!