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cantata

 - 4 dictionary results

can⋅ta⋅ta

  [kuhn-tah-tuh]
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–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; < It, equiv. to cant(are) to sing (see cant 1 ) + -ata -ate 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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can·ta·ta   (kən-tä'tə)   
n.  A musical composition, often using a sacred text, comprising recitatives, arias, and choruses.

[Italian (aria) cantata, sung (aria), feminine past participle of cantare, to sing, from Latin cantāre; see kan- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

cantata [(kuhn-tah-tuh)]

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

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

cantata 
1724, from It. pp. of cantare "to sing," (see chant).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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