cantata
/kæn'tɑ:tə/
Definition
- Noun:
- A cantata is a musical composition, typically for voices and orchestra, that is based on a narrative or thematic text, often but not exclusively religious in nature. It is structured like a short oratorio or an extended vocal work with instrumental accompaniment.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Bach composed many sacred cantatas for the Lutheran church.
- The choir will perform a secular cantata about the seasons next week.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: In Baroque music, a cantata often referred to a multi-movement work for soloists, choir, and instruments. In later periods, the form evolved, and secular cantatas became more common.
- The musicologist specialized in the Italian chamber cantatas of the 17th century.
Variants and Related Words
- Oratorio (n): A large-scale musical composition on a sacred subject, for orchestra and voices, similar to an opera but without costumes, scenery, or acting. It is typically longer and more dramatic than a cantata.
- Motet (n): A short piece of sacred choral music, traditionally unaccompanied.
Synonyms
- Choral composition: A piece of music written for a choir.
- Vocal work: A musical piece emphasizing the voice(s).
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
(Not typically applicable for this noun.)
Related Idioms
(Not typically applicable for this noun.)
Noun
-
a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
