cantata

noun can·ta·ta \kən-ˈtä-tə\

: a piece of music for singers and instruments that usually has several parts (called movements) and often has a religious subject

Full Definition of CANTATA

: a composition for one or more voices usually comprising solos, duets, recitatives, and choruses and sung to an instrumental accompaniment

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Italian, from cantare to sing, from Latin

First Known Use: 1724

CANTATA Defined for Kids

noun can·ta·ta \kən-ˈtä-tə\

: a piece of music that features solos, duets, and choruses with instrumental accompaniment and is sometimes based on a poem, play, or story

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