cantatdbase

Database of Baroque Cantatas for Choirs of Any Size

This database was originally created for a presentation that I gave at the Association of Lutheran Church Musician's National Conference in 1996. I have published it here for quick reference, however, it is not complete nor is it intended as a comprehensive listing. I will continue to update the information in the future. The original project was entitled "Baroque Cantatas For Churches Of Any Size". The purpose of the project was to introduce works that could be used in a worship setting by a small choir with limited instrumental resources. Therefore, the difficulty level listing is based on that criteria. If you need more information you can contact me directly at muj-hurty@augustana.edu

English title

Other title

Composer

Publisher

Diff level

Annotation

From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her

Praetorius, Michael (1571-1621)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

Listed voicing is SSS/AB, but the third S part can be sung by Alt (top note e2). Based on the traditional tune.

Savior of the Nations Come

Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland

Altenburg, Michael (1584-1640)

Concordia

Easy

Based on the traditional tune. Could be sung by men, women, or both. Excellent for very small choir that wants to try out this type of work.

Psalm 100 (Praise Him)

Jauchzet dem Herren

Vierdanck, Johann (1605-1646)

Concordia

Medium

Could alternate chorus and soloists in one or more of the sections. Two A sections are identical.

Magnificat (Latin)

Magnificat

Charpentier, Marc-Antoine ((ca. 1634-1704))

Concordia

Difficult

Larger work with alternation of chorus and soloists.

The Lord Remembers Us

Der Herr gedenkt an uns

Frauenholtz, Johann C. (1684-1754)

Concordia

Medium

O Beloved Shepherds

O ihr lieben Hirten

Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-1675)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

Could be done with choir singing throughout, or some sections could be done by soloists or a small group.

Welcome, Thou King of Glory

Willkommen, süsser Braütigam

Lübeck, Vincent (1656-1740)

Concordia

Medium

Originally for two soprano voices. Edition has arranged music for use with SAB. Bass voice is added by editor based on continuo part. Soprano voices are exchanged in a few places so that one part can be sung throughout by Altos.

My Soul Doth Praise

Magnificat

Perti, Antonio (1661-1756)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

Lord, now open wide the gates of justice

Aperite mihi portas justitiae

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

Concordia

Medium

Could be used during Lent (does however include Alleluia). Also possible for Palm Sunday. Edition is transposed up 4th from original so that it can be used by SAB choir.

From God Shall Naught Divide Me

Von Gott will ich nicht lassen

Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

Originally would have been done by 3 soloists. Can be alternation between solos and chorus, all by solos, or all by chorus.

Woman, Why Weepest Thou?

Weib, was weinest du?

Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672)

Concordia

Medium

Could be done by all choir and no soloists. Much easier if done by four soloists and choir only in the concluding section. No independent instrumental parts so more of a motet than a cantata or concerto.

The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross

Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

No German text. The piece is more complex than others but with decent soloists the piece can be done by smaller church choirs.

To Shepherds as They Watched by Night

Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar

Schelle, Johann (1648-1701)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

Larger than most others. Not extremely difficult vocal parts but five-part chorus and larger inst. ensemble.

Christmas magnificat (Sing Out, My Soul)

Magnificat

Scheidt, Samuel (1587-1654)

Concordia

Difficult

Piece uses both Latin and German original text. There is a wide variety of styles and contrasting solo/choral sections in the piece but no independent instrumental parts.

In Sweetest Jubilee

In dulci jubilo

Praetorius, Michael (1571-1621)

Robert King Music Co.

Medium

Not really a cantata, but dbl choir motet in which the second choir part is played by the brass group.

Now Thank We All Our God

Nun danket alle Gott

Pachelbel, Johann (1653-1706)

Bärenreiter/Concordia

Difficult

One of the choirs can be covered by a four-part instrumental ensemble such as a brass quartet. Also published by Robert King Mus. Co. for four-part brass and single choir (No. 604).

Lord, My God, Assist Me Now

Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina

Martini, Padre (1706-1784)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

Song of the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

In Nativitatem Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Canticum

Charpentier, Marc-Antoine (1634-1704)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

O Praise the Lord, All Ye Nations

Laudate Johovam, Omnes Gentes

Telemann, Georg Philipp (1681-1767)

Concordia

Medium/Difficult

Scatter Palm Branches

Streuet mit Palmen

Tunder, Franz (1614-1667)

Concordia

Medium

English only edition.

Laud Him, Laud Him

Lauda Sion Savatorem/Lobet, Christen, euren Heiland

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

Bärenreiter

Medium

S2 part probably fairly high for most church choir alto sections but not impossible.

Therefore Watch That Ye Be Ready

Darum wachet, denn ihr wisset weder Tag

Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-1675)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

The full chorus parts are very simple. Even a very small choir could do the section designated for full chorus. The bulk of the work is intended for a semi-chorus or group of soloists.

Good Christian Men, with Joy Draw Near

Ihr lieben Christen, freut euch nun

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

Concordia

Medium

If performed with organ only it is accessible to any choir that can do SSATB. Fairly large orchestral forces required.

A Mighty Fortress

Ein Feste Burg

Tunder, Franz (1614-1667)

Concordia

Medium

Some of the more difficult florid writing could be done by a semi-chorus or solo. Would make the piece more accessible.

Rejoice in the Lord Alway

The Bell Anthem

Purcell, Henry (1659-1695)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

Full choir has two easy sections. ATB soloists sing all the verses.

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice

In Dulci Jubilo

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1639-1707)

Concordia

Easy

Hänssler-Verlag 36.003/10 edition has both English and German texts. Concordia score only includes English text. Very little editorial information in Concordia score.

Jesus, Joy and Pleasure

Jesu, meine Freude

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1639-1707)

Kalmus

Easy/Medium

Price for full score is probably more than listed. Range of S2 part is fairly high and difficult for church choir altos. However, if the altos and sopranos are divided it is possible.

Sing to God the Lord

Cantate Domino

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1639-1707)

Concordia

Medium

Range of S2 part is fairly high and difficult for church choir altos. However, if the altos and sopranos are divided it is possible. More of a motet than a cantata. No independent instrumental parts.

In Deepest Need I Cry to You

Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir

Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750)

Hänssler

Difficult

Chorus parts are not extremely difficult, but good soloists are required. The choir sings only the first and last movements. The only independent instrumental parts are in the tenor solo (2 ob which could be covered by any two treble inst. such as violin or flute if ob are not available)

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

Bärenreiter

Easy/Medium

Bärenreiter full score has German only, but vocal score indicates that English text is included (I have not seen). Concordia Score has English text only.

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

Concordia Score has English text only.

Savior of the Nation Come

Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland

Telemann, Georg Philipp (1681-1767)

Carus-Verlag

Medium

Bach also wrote a cantata on this text (BWV 61) but Telemann’s is more accessible

Suber flumina Babilonis

Charpentier, Marc-Antoine (1634-1704)

Heugel & Cie

Medium

Sections could be assigned to soloists or a small choir could do the entire cantata.

Who Rolls Away the Stone

Wer wälzet uns den Stein?

Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-75)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

Mostly homophonic. Difficult passages could be done by soloists.

Holy is the Lord

Heilig ist der Herr

Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-75)

Concordia

Easy/Medium

Mostly homophonic. No specific solo sections, but many of the short passages could be sung by soloists.

See, there is God’s Lamb

Siehe, das ist Gottes Lamb

Telemann, Georg Phillip ()

Hänssler Verlag

Medium

Uses “O Lamm Gottes Unschuldig” as final chorale.

Rejoice, Earth and Heaven

Schlagt, Künstler, die Pauken und Saiten aufs best

Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

C.F. Peters

Easy/Medium

First and Last sections sung by choir, otherwise solos. Mostly easy homophonic.

Magnificat

Magnificat

Pachelbel, Johann (1653-1706)

Bärenreiter

Medium

Pachelbel indicates that the voice parts can be doubled or the piece can be done with continuo alone. Passages could alternate between solos and full chorus

Sei gegrüßet, Maria

Hail to thee Mary

Schütz, Heinrich ()

Hänssler

Easy/Medium

The inst. parts can be played by any combination of instruments. The chorus section is very short and homophonic. The main portion of the piece is a dialog between Mary and the Angel. Actually the type of piece is called dialog or concerto.

Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden

Buxtehude, Dietrich ()

Bärenreiter

Easy/Medium

Der Herr erhör dich

Herren vår Gud

Buxtehude, Dietrich ()

Verlag Merseburger Berlin

Easy/Medium

Chorale form with no solos. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.

Walts Gott mein Werk ich lasse

Buxtehude, Dietrich ()

Verlag Merseburger Berlin

Easy/Medium

Includes a florid amen section. Otherwise chorale form. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.

Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit

Buxtehude, Dietrich ()

Verlag Merseburger Berlin

Easy/Medium

Chorale form. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.

Nun laßt uns Gott dem Herren Dank sagen

Buxtehude, Dietrich ()

Bärenreiter

Easy/Medium

Chorale form. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.

English title	Other title	Composer	Publisher	Diff level	Annotation
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come	Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her	Praetorius, Michael (1571-1621)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	Listed voicing is SSS/AB, but the third S part can be sung by Alt (top note e2). Based on the traditional tune.
Savior of the Nations Come	Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland	Altenburg, Michael (1584-1640)	Concordia	Easy	Based on the traditional tune. Could be sung by men, women, or both. Excellent for very small choir that wants to try out this type of work.
Psalm 100 (Praise Him)	Jauchzet dem Herren	Vierdanck, Johann (1605-1646)	Concordia	Medium	Could alternate chorus and soloists in one or more of the sections. Two A sections are identical.
Magnificat (Latin)	Magnificat	Charpentier, Marc-Antoine ((ca. 1634-1704))	Concordia	Difficult	Larger work with alternation of chorus and soloists.
The Lord Remembers Us	Der Herr gedenkt an uns	Frauenholtz, Johann C. (1684-1754)	Concordia	Medium
O Beloved Shepherds	O ihr lieben Hirten	Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-1675)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	Could be done with choir singing throughout, or some sections could be done by soloists or a small group.
Welcome, Thou King of Glory	Willkommen, süsser Braütigam	Lübeck, Vincent (1656-1740)	Concordia	Medium	Originally for two soprano voices. Edition has arranged music for use with SAB. Bass voice is added by editor based on continuo part. Soprano voices are exchanged in a few places so that one part can be sung throughout by Altos.
My Soul Doth Praise	Magnificat	Perti, Antonio (1661-1756)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult
Lord, now open wide the gates of justice	Aperite mihi portas justitiae	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)	Concordia	Medium	Could be used during Lent (does however include Alleluia). Also possible for Palm Sunday. Edition is transposed up 4th from original so that it can be used by SAB choir.
From God Shall Naught Divide Me	Von Gott will ich nicht lassen	Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult	Originally would have been done by 3 soloists. Can be alternation between solos and chorus, all by solos, or all by chorus.
Woman, Why Weepest Thou?	Weib, was weinest du?	Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672)	Concordia	Medium	Could be done by all choir and no soloists. Much easier if done by four soloists and choir only in the concluding section. No independent instrumental parts so more of a motet than a cantata or concerto.
The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross		Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult	No German text. The piece is more complex than others but with decent soloists the piece can be done by smaller church choirs.
To Shepherds as They Watched by Night	Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar	Schelle, Johann (1648-1701)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult	Larger than most others. Not extremely difficult vocal parts but five-part chorus and larger inst. ensemble.
Christmas magnificat (Sing Out, My Soul)	Magnificat	Scheidt, Samuel (1587-1654)	Concordia	Difficult	Piece uses both Latin and German original text. There is a wide variety of styles and contrasting solo/choral sections in the piece but no independent instrumental parts.
In Sweetest Jubilee	In dulci jubilo	Praetorius, Michael (1571-1621)	Robert King Music Co.	Medium	Not really a cantata, but dbl choir motet in which the second choir part is played by the brass group.
Now Thank We All Our God	Nun danket alle Gott	Pachelbel, Johann (1653-1706)	Bärenreiter/Concordia	Difficult	One of the choirs can be covered by a four-part instrumental ensemble such as a brass quartet. Also published by Robert King Mus. Co. for four-part brass and single choir (No. 604).
Lord, My God, Assist Me Now	Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina	Martini, Padre (1706-1784)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult
Song of the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ	In Nativitatem Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Canticum	Charpentier, Marc-Antoine (1634-1704)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult
O Praise the Lord, All Ye Nations	Laudate Johovam, Omnes Gentes	Telemann, Georg Philipp (1681-1767)	Concordia	Medium/Difficult
Scatter Palm Branches	Streuet mit Palmen	Tunder, Franz (1614-1667)	Concordia	Medium	English only edition.
Laud Him, Laud Him	Lauda Sion Savatorem/Lobet, Christen, euren Heiland	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)	Bärenreiter	Medium	S2 part probably fairly high for most church choir alto sections but not impossible.
Therefore Watch That Ye Be Ready	Darum wachet, denn ihr wisset weder Tag	Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-1675)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	The full chorus parts are very simple. Even a very small choir could do the section designated for full chorus. The bulk of the work is intended for a semi-chorus or group of soloists.
Good Christian Men, with Joy Draw Near	Ihr lieben Christen, freut euch nun	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)	Concordia	Medium	If performed with organ only it is accessible to any choir that can do SSATB. Fairly large orchestral forces required.
A Mighty Fortress	Ein Feste Burg	Tunder, Franz (1614-1667)	Concordia	Medium	Some of the more difficult florid writing could be done by a semi-chorus or solo. Would make the piece more accessible.
Rejoice in the Lord Alway	The Bell Anthem	Purcell, Henry (1659-1695)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	Full choir has two easy sections. ATB soloists sing all the verses.
Now Sing We, Now Rejoice	In Dulci Jubilo	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1639-1707)	Concordia	Easy	Hänssler-Verlag 36.003/10 edition has both English and German texts. Concordia score only includes English text. Very little editorial information in Concordia score.
Jesus, Joy and Pleasure	Jesu, meine Freude	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1639-1707)	Kalmus	Easy/Medium	Price for full score is probably more than listed. Range of S2 part is fairly high and difficult for church choir altos. However, if the altos and sopranos are divided it is possible.
Sing to God the Lord	Cantate Domino	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1639-1707)	Concordia	Medium	Range of S2 part is fairly high and difficult for church choir altos. However, if the altos and sopranos are divided it is possible. More of a motet than a cantata. No independent instrumental parts.
In Deepest Need I Cry to You	Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir	Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750)	Hänssler	Difficult	Chorus parts are not extremely difficult, but good soloists are required. The choir sings only the first and last movements. The only independent instrumental parts are in the tenor solo (2 ob which could be covered by any two treble inst. such as violin or flute if ob are not available)
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word	Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)	Bärenreiter	Easy/Medium	Bärenreiter full score has German only, but vocal score indicates that English text is included (I have not seen). Concordia Score has English text only.
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word	Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	Concordia Score has English text only.
Savior of the Nation Come	Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland	Telemann, Georg Philipp (1681-1767)	Carus-Verlag	Medium	Bach also wrote a cantata on this text (BWV 61) but Telemann’s is more accessible
	Suber flumina Babilonis	Charpentier, Marc-Antoine (1634-1704)	Heugel & Cie	Medium	Sections could be assigned to soloists or a small choir could do the entire cantata.
Who Rolls Away the Stone	Wer wälzet uns den Stein?	Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-75)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	Mostly homophonic. Difficult passages could be done by soloists.
Holy is the Lord	Heilig ist der Herr	Hammerschmidt, Andreas (1612-75)	Concordia	Easy/Medium	Mostly homophonic. No specific solo sections, but many of the short passages could be sung by soloists.
See, there is God’s Lamb	Siehe, das ist Gottes Lamb	Telemann, Georg Phillip ()	Hänssler Verlag	Medium	Uses “O Lamm Gottes Unschuldig” as final chorale.
Rejoice, Earth and Heaven	Schlagt, Künstler, die Pauken und Saiten aufs best	Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)	C.F. Peters	Easy/Medium	First and Last sections sung by choir, otherwise solos. Mostly easy homophonic.
Magnificat	Magnificat	Pachelbel, Johann (1653-1706)	Bärenreiter	Medium	Pachelbel indicates that the voice parts can be doubled or the piece can be done with continuo alone. Passages could alternate between solos and full chorus
Sei gegrüßet, Maria	Hail to thee Mary	Schütz, Heinrich ()	Hänssler	Easy/Medium	The inst. parts can be played by any combination of instruments. The chorus section is very short and homophonic. The main portion of the piece is a dialog between Mary and the Angel. Actually the type of piece is called dialog or concerto.
	Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden	Buxtehude, Dietrich ()	Bärenreiter	Easy/Medium
Der Herr erhör dich	Herren vår Gud	Buxtehude, Dietrich ()	Verlag Merseburger Berlin	Easy/Medium	Chorale form with no solos. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.
	Walts Gott mein Werk ich lasse	Buxtehude, Dietrich ()	Verlag Merseburger Berlin	Easy/Medium	Includes a florid amen section. Otherwise chorale form. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.
	Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit	Buxtehude, Dietrich ()	Verlag Merseburger Berlin	Easy/Medium	Chorale form. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.
	Nun laßt uns Gott dem Herren Dank sagen	Buxtehude, Dietrich ()	Bärenreiter	Easy/Medium	Chorale form. May be out of print. Merseburger editions can be diff. to obtain in U.S.