A cantata (/ kænˈtɑːtə /; Italian: [kanˈtaːta]; literally "sung", past participle feminine singular of the Italian verb cantare, "to sing") is a vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements and often involving a choir.
Cantata, (from Italian cantare, “to sing”), originally, a musical composition intended to be sung, as opposed to a sonata, a composition played instrumentally; now, loosely, any work for voices and instruments.
A cantata is a work for voice or voices and instruments of the baroque era. From its beginnings in 17th-century Italy, both secular and religious cantatas were written.
What Is a Cantata? A cantata is a musical composition for vocalists that includes instrumental accompaniment. This vocal composition is usually structured as a recitative (or sung speech) with an aria, a solo voice part, repeated in between.
CANTATA definition: a choral composition, either sacred and resembling a short oratorio or secular, as a lyric drama set to music but not to be acted. See examples of cantata used in a sentence.
A complete definition of cantata, including an explanation of its evolution over the centuries, important cantata composers and a list of iconic cantata songs.
A cantata is typically a work for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, characterized by multiple movements and a narrative or lyrical text. The cantata's etymology reflects its primary focus on vocal performance, distinguishing it from purely instrumental compositions.
The term 'cantata', invented in Italy in the 17th century, refers to a piece of music written for voice or voices and instruments. It applies broadly to works for solo voice, multiple soloists, vocal ensemble, and with instrumental accompaniment of keyboard or instrumental ensemble.