Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Part-writing • Voice Placement • Dynamics

Cantata

Term from Choir Direction industry explained for recruiters

A cantata is a musical work that tells a story through singing, typically performed by a choir with instrumental accompaniment. It's similar to a small opera but usually performed without costumes or staging. In the context of choir direction and music education, experience with cantatas shows that a professional can handle complex musical pieces that combine multiple singers, soloists, and instrumental sections. Cantatas are commonly performed in churches, concert halls, and educational settings, making them an important part of a choir director's or music educator's repertoire.

Examples in Resumes

Directed Bach's Cantata BWV 140 with a 40-person choir and chamber orchestra

Prepared and performed three Cantatas for the annual Christmas concert series

Taught and conducted student performances of contemporary Cantatas

Typical job title: "Choir Directors"

Also try searching for:

Music Director Choral Conductor Vocal Director Music Teacher Chorus Master Church Music Director Vocal Music Educator

Where to Find Choir Directors

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach programming a season that includes multiple cantatas?

Expected Answer: A senior director should discuss budget considerations, scheduling, selecting appropriate works for their choir's skill level, coordinating with instrumentalists, and building a balanced program that engages both performers and audience.

Q: How do you handle the challenges of performing Baroque cantatas with modern choirs?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of historical performance practices while making them accessible to modern singers, including interpretation of ornaments, period-appropriate dynamics, and working with period instruments vs. modern ones.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you prepare a choir to perform a cantata with orchestral accompaniment?

Expected Answer: Should explain rehearsal techniques, including sectional rehearsals, working with accompanists, teaching difficult passages, and coordinating with instrumental sections.

Q: What considerations do you make when selecting soloists for a cantata?

Expected Answer: Should discuss voice type requirements, assessment of vocal abilities, balance with the choir, and coordination of rehearsal schedules with soloists.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic structure of a typical Bach cantata?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the general format including choruses, recitatives, arias, and chorales in simple terms, and how these elements tell a story.

Q: How do you start teaching a new cantata to your choir?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic rehearsal planning, teaching notes and rhythms, working on pronunciation if in a foreign language, and breaking down complex passages into manageable sections.