Unit 2: Cantata

Question 1

Cantata background and origins

Answer 1

• Italian: cantare “to sing”
• began as form of chamber music for solo voice with continuo
• adopted into Lutheran church service in the 18th century
• Johanna Sebastian Bach composed over 300, of which approx 200 suervived

Question 2

Cantata characteristic features

Answer 2

• multi-movement vocal work
• sacred or secular
• for vocal soloist(a), and chorus with instrumental accompaniment
• consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses
• sacred cantatas were performed as part of Lutheran church service in 18th-century Germany

Question 3

Cantata

Answer 3

• multi-movement choral work
• sacred or secular
• for soloists, chorus, and orchestra
• consists of recitatives,, arias, ensembles, and choruses

Question 4

Chorale

Answer 4

• hymn tube, associated with German Protestantism
• intended for congregational singing; moves mostly by step or narrow leap
• used as basis for many genres including cantata
• sometimes adapted from Gregorian chants as well as from other popular sources
• harmonized for 4 voices (SATB) by composers including Bach