Cantata
Multi-part composition for soloists, choir, and orchestra.
What it means
A cantata is a multi-part vocal work with instrumental accompaniment that consists of a sequence of movements — usually choruses, recitatives, arias, and often a closing chorale. The name comes from the Italian word for singing and originally stood opposite the sonata as a played piece. Cantatas exist sacred and secular; the construction hardly differs, but the occasion and the source of the text do.
Musical use
The cantata arose in the seventeenth century in Italy as chamber music for one or a few singing voices with continuo and was expanded in the German-speaking area into multi-movement church music intended for a particular Sunday and referring to its readings. It differs from the oratorio through its lesser extent and the lack of a continuous plot; from the motet setting through the division into different types of movement and the independent instrumental accompaniment. The transitions between the genres are fluid, and the contemporary designations vary. In the seventeenth century it arose in Italy as a secular solo cantata.
Performance practice
Get an overview of the sequence of movements and plan scoring and forces accordingly; in many works soloists are cast from the choir. Work out the opening chorus carefully without using up your strength. In recitatives, settle the continuo execution and the treatment of the closing cadences. With the closing chorale, watch intelligibility of the text and plain shaping. With liturgical performance, the duration is to be coordinated and the relation to the Sunday to be observed.
Bear in mind that cantatas are often not written out completely in the sources: continuo parts are figured, ornaments are missing, and scoring indications are terse. Settle these points before the first rehearsal. Check whether soloists are cast from the choir, and plan the forces accordingly. Shape recitatives speaking and the closing chorale plainly. Check whether recitatives are sung uncut, for they carry the coherence of the text.
Check whether the edition contains a practical continuo realization, and decide whether you follow it.
Also check whether the edition offers a text underlay for the closing chorale in the usual version.