cantata

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.

noun

1. a musical setting of a text, esp a religious text, consisting of arias, duets, and choruses interspersed with recitatives

n.

1724, from Italian cantata, literally “that which is sung,” past participle of cantare “to sing” (see chant (v.)).

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