cantata

[kuh n-tah-tuh] /kənˈtɑ tə/
noun
1.
a choral composition, either sacred and resembling a short oratorio or secular, as a lyric drama set to music but not to be acted.
2.
a metrical narrative set to recitative or alternate recitative and air, usually for a single voice accompanied by one or more instruments.
Origin
1715-25; < Italian, equivalent to cant(are) to sing (see cant1) + -ata -ate1
Examples from the web for cantata
  • One library will commission a cantata using text from the novel as lyrics.
British Dictionary definitions for cantata

cantata

/kænˈtɑːtə/
noun
1.
a musical setting of a text, esp a religious text, consisting of arias, duets, and choruses interspersed with recitatives
Word Origin
C18: from Italian, from cantare to sing, from Latin
Word Origin and History for cantata
n.

1724, from Italian cantata, literally "that which is sung," past participle of cantare "to sing" (see chant (v.)).

cantata in Culture
cantata [(kuhn-tah-tuh)]

A musical composition for voice and instruments and including choruses, solos, and recitatives.