cantata
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cantata
A vocal composition in several movements with instrumental accompaniment. Cantatas can have both sacred themes for church services and secular content, and they were especially popular in the Baroque period.
Zu Ostern führte der Chor eine berühmte Kantate von Johann Sebastian Bach auf.
At Easter, the choir performed a famous cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach.
The word comes from the Italian verb 'cantare', which means 'to sing'. A cantata is therefore literally a 'sung piece', which explains its meaning as a piece of vocal music well.
Die Sängerin hat sich auf Musikstücke spezialisiert, die aus dem Italienischen kommen, wie die Kantate.
The singer has specialized in musical pieces that come from Italian, such as the cantata.
In connection with a cantata, the verbs 'aufführen' (to perform), 'komponieren' (to compose), and 'hören' (to hear/listen to) are often used.
Der berühmte Komponist hat über 200 Kantaten komponiert.
The famous composer composed over 200 cantatas.
Cantatas are especially strongly associated with the Baroque period and the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. There is even the word 'Bachkantate' (Bach cantata) for his works.
Viele Kirchenchöre in Deutschland führen an Feiertagen Kantaten von Bach auf.
Many church choirs in Germany perform cantatas by Bach on holidays.
oratorio / oratory
An Oratorium and a Kantate are vocal works with instrumental accompaniment, and the boundary between them is not always clear-cut. An Oratorium is usually larger and often deals with religious or dramatic subject matter. A Kantate is generally more compact, consists of several movements, and may be intended for a church service or a secular occasion.
Der Chor führt im Weihnachtsgottesdienst eine mehrsätzige Kantate mit Instrumentalbegleitung auf.
The choir is performing a cantata in several movements with instrumental accompaniment at the Christmas service.
Der Chor führt ein großes Oratorium über die Weihnachtsgeschichte mit Orchester und Solisten auf.
The choir is performing a large oratorio about the Christmas story with an orchestra and soloists.
