A Brief History of Western Music
Cantata
Just as the Gregorian chant was central to the development of the mass in the Roman Catholic Church, the chorale played a similar role in German Protestantism. Chorales were monophonic hymn tunes intended for congregational singing, similar to the Gregorian chant. Some chorales were derived from existing Gregorian chants. Others were newly composed; in fact, Martin Luther himself wrote several chorale texts and melodies.
A cantata (from the Italian word cantere, meaning "to sing") is a choral work written for orchestra, choir, and soloists. It consists of several types of movements: recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses (see Baroque Opera to learn more about these terms). Church cantatas were based around specific chorales (this is analogous to a mass being based on certain Gregorian chants). Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750), who is among the most prominent composers of the Baroque era, wrote over two hundred cantatas. The immense impact of the Protestant Reformation on music is seen in these works. Below, we will take a look at some examples of Bach's cantatas.
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott ("A mighty fortress is our God"), BWV 80, is a cantata written by J.S. Bach in 1715. The cantata is based on a hymn, of the same name, written by Martin Luther. The work has eight movements in total:
1. Chorus
2. Duet
3. Recitative and Aria
4. Aria
5. Chorus
6. Recitative and Aria
7. Duet
8. Chorus
Note the symmetrical structure of the cantata. The first half follows the structure (Chorus, Duet, Recitative/Aria). The second half follows the structure (Recitative/Aria, Duet, Chorus), which is the reverse of the first half. The two halves are separated by a third chorus. This symmetry is believed to represent the cross, a symbol of Christianity.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Above is a recording of the cantata. The chorale melody is used in certain movements, including the first movement; but, it can be difficult to discern it, because Bach used a variation of the chorale instead of the original melody itself. In the final movement of the cantata, the chorale can be heard very clearly, as it is sung in its original form in the highest voice. The other voices provide accompaniment for the chorale. This is known as a four-part chorale, and it is used by Bach as the final movement of most of his cantatas.
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme ("Wake up, the voice calls to us"), BWV 140, is a cantata written by J.S. Bach ca. 1708. This cantata has seven movements:
1. Chorus
2. Recitative
3. Duet
5. Chorus
6. Recitative
7. Duet
8. Chorus
Just like Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, this cantata follows a symmetrical structure. Interestingly, the duets are modelled after operatic love duets; but, instead of a dialogue between lovers, the text is a dialogue between Jesus and a soul seeking salvation. As is usual for Bach's cantatas, Watchet auf ends in a four-part chorale based on the existing chorale melody.