verset

A short organ piece played in alternation with a choir, replacing or commenting on a verse of a liturgical text. Pachelbel's Magnificat fugues are the most systematic set of versets in the German Baroque repertoire.

A verset must feel complete within its short duration — a clear beginning, a middle with contrapuntal development, and a conclusive cadence. Because it will be followed immediately by the choir, the ending should be clean and decisive. Avoid elaboration for its own sake; the brevity is part of the form's discipline.