The word Cantata is derived from the Italian word "cantare" which means "to sing".
It is a vocal genre which could be either sacred or secular featuring solos, chorus, and orchestra. Often based on a lyric or dramatic poem, the cantata was also used in the early protestant reformation days as part of a Lutheran service. Approximately 60 in total were required for a year.
All information on this article is derived from:
Joseph Machlis and Kristine Forney. The Enjoyment of Music, Eight Edition, Standard Version, New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1999.