Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cantata \Can*ta"ta\, n. [It., fr. cantare to sing, fr. L.
   cantare intens of canere to sing.] (Mus.)
   A poem set to music; a musical composition comprising
   choruses, solos, interludes, etc., arranged in a somewhat
   dramatic manner; originally, a composition for a single
   noise, consisting of both recitative and melody.

Source : WordNet®

cantata
     n : a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a
         religious text [syn: {oratorio}]