I chose to blog this week about the cantata. I was intrigued when I read
that they tell stories as well as the fact they can be used both religiously and also
for entertainment purposes. J. S. Bach is the founder of the cantata in the
Baroque era of music and actually created over 300 pieces! In the above photo he
is found at the harpsichord while others sing a cantata.
In a sacred cantata, meaning one that is sung in church, the songs
revolve around biblical stories. Although the E-text does not say this, I
would assume that this was effective in engaging more people to
understand and appreciate the bible. Typically sacred cantatas are
accompanied by an organ or harpsichord, (featured below), among other instruments.
Sacred Cantata:
This clip is very long but you can hear how the music has a way of sounding more religious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCz75yYpP90
In contrast to the sacred cantata that speaks of a religious nature,
a secular cantata is a more relaxed and can be played anywhere, usually for entertainment.
Secular Cantatas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJcL-dSn5zo&feature=fvst
Bach’s Coffee Cantata : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6-PRCv7SfM
Bach’s Coffee Cantata in a different language with different pace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz9fWWRlgT4&feature=related
Recitative and aria are extremely important to this type of music because
these elements are essentially what a cantata is all about. The lyrics are how Bach
is able to retell these stories and how they are told is crucial. Tone and tempo also
play a large role in a cantata especially when text is not being used. For example,
a note with a high pitch played vivo could insinuate tension or fear.
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