Achorale cantata is achurch cantata based on achorale—in this context aLutheran chorale. It is principally from theGermanBaroque era. The organizing principle is the words and music of aLutheran hymn. Usually a chorale cantata includes multiple movements or parts. Most chorale cantatas were written between approximately 1650 and 1750. By far the most famous are byJohann Sebastian Bach, especially thecantatas composed in hissecond annual cycle of cantatas, started in Leipzig in 1724.
The chorale cantata developed out of thechorale concerto, an earlier form much used bySamuel Scheidt in the early 17th century, which incorporated elements of theVenetian School, such as theconcertato style, into the liturgical music of theProtestant Reformation. Later the chorale cantata developed into three general forms:
Most compositions in this genre were never published. It was common at the time for composers to write for local performances; often the composer and the music director at a church were the same person, and the music was written, copied and performed in short order, remaining in manuscript. Some 95% of all compositions of this type have been lost.
Composers of chorale cantatas include: