The Cantata - Cantatas

Cantata comes from the Italian word cantare, which means "to sing." In its early form, cantatas referred to a music piece that is meant to be sung. However, as with any musical form, the cantata has evolved through the years. Loosely defined today, a cantata is a vocal work with multiple movements and instrumental accompaniment; it can be based on either a secular or sacred subject. Early cantatas were in the Italian language and were written in sacred (church cantata) or secular (chamber cantata) styles. 17th century composers for the cantata include Pietro Antonio Cesti, Giacomo Carissimi, Giovanni Legrenzi, Luigi Rossi, Alessandro Stradella, Mario Savioni and Alessandro Scarlatti; the most prominent composer of cantatas during that period. Before long, the cantata was making its way to Germany courtesy of Johann Hasse; one of Scarlatti's students. Johann Sebastian Bach is perhaps the most prominent composer of cantatas. The Structure of A Cantata

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Cantata Historical context[edit] The term originated in the early 17th century simultaneously with opera and oratorio. Prior to that all "cultured" music was vocal. Baroque sacred music - Cantata in the Lutheran Church On with the sacred music of the Baroque. Previously we discussed the Oratorio as one big landmark of musical development. Now, the time has come to the Cantata, the Lutheran Church music to be performed during religious ceremonies, often on each Sunday. Cantata (from Italian word, cantare=to sing) was written to Bible words, in native language, so that all people could sing it in the Church. Music History is Thrilling! » Baroque Cantata and Johann Sebastian Bach Terms Cantata This vocal genre is usually based on a lyric or dramatic poem and could be either sacred or secular. It contains pieces for solo voices, chorus and instrumentalists in the manner of arias, recitatives and choruses. The Lutheran Church used the Cantata in their service and required one Cantata per service. An annual cycle came to about 60 Cantatas in total