Cantata

Cantata:  A cantata is a work for voice or voices and instruments of the baroque era. From its beginnings in 17th-century Italy, both secular and religious cantatas were written. The earliest cantatas were generally for solo voice with minimal instrumental accompaniment.

Back in November Judy Watters, the music director at MVLC announced that there were plans to present a cantata to the congregation and those interested were to come to the first rehearsal.  With no sure means of knowing who or how many would come she ordered 12 sets of music in soprano, alto and bass format.  "About that many came, but the group kept growing each week as friends were invited to join," Judy recalls.  By the time of dress rehearsal 25 singers were ready to perform.

The group melded together well with a balance of men and women and good distribution of the three parts.  The performance was set for December 16 in two worship services.  "Often I can't understand the words of some choral presentations, but this was different.  There was good enunciation and with the help of some familiar Christmas melodies, it was very easy to follow," was how one congregation member described the performance.

A cantata had not been presented at MVLC for several years, but based on congregational response, this will not be the last. "I hope we can work on another one soon," was Judy's assessment.

To hear the cantata in it's entirety, go to this video:  https://vimeo.com/306696822.