Church cantata

What it means

The church cantata is a multi-movement vocal composition for the service. It usually consists of an opening chorus, several recitatives and arias, and a closing chorale; the scoring comprises soloists, choir, and instruments. Its text refers to the readings or the theme of the respective Sunday in the church year, so that every cantata is tied to a particular day.

Musical use

Much follows from this tie. The cantata stands at a fixed place in the service, usually after the Gospel, and its length is matched to this. The closing chorale takes up a melody known to the congregation and ties the work back into the service; often the same melody already appears in the opening chorus as a basis, so that an arc arises. The individual movements correspond in their layout to those of opera — recitative and aria — but serve the interpretation of the text instead of a plot. At the time of composition, such works were functional music in the best sense: written for a particular Sunday and the available forces.

Performance practice

Settle scoring and forces early, since soloists often have to be cast from the choir. Work out the opening chorus thoroughly and make an existing cantus firmus audible. Shape recitatives speaking and settle the continuo practice. Sing the closing chorale plainly and intelligibly; it belongs to the congregation, even if it does not sing along. Coordinate duration and place in the service with the liturgical director and check whether the work fits the Sunday.

Bear in mind that the closing chorale has a different task from the other movements: it sums up and belongs to the congregation, even if it does not sing along. Sing it plainly, intelligibly, and without effort. Check whether the chorale melody already appears in the opening chorus, because an arc results from this. Settle scoring and continuo practice early and plan the forces over the whole work. Note that Bach laid out many cantatas in two parts, with one...