Cantata

The cantata, a delightful concoction of vocal and instrumental forces, sprang to life in the 17th century, mainly in Italy, when composers figured out that someone singing whilst being accompanied by a bunch of violins could elevate nearly any occasion. Characterised by its blend of narrative and emotion, a cantata typically unfolds like a mini-opera, minus the tights and dramatic death scenes, although musical flair certainly isn’t in short supply. Often performed in church settings or as concert pieces, it managed to charm its way into the hearts of many, proving that telling a story with a tune was, and still is, a rather dapper way to communicate feelings.