Unique Cantata

Today's Cantata at church was probably the most unusual I have seen.  It was as much of a dramatic production as it was a musical cantata.  There were all the usual characters of The Nativity (its title) and  also in full costume, a cow, a sheep, a goat.   If I try to explain why this cantata was so unusual, I would have to peel back a number of layers, look at a variety of elements.

 First, it was musically complex with complicated parts to sing, often in minor key.  We were sitting near the pianist, and there was one place in particular where she had to create special effects for a disturbing scene  (Herod has ordered all newborns killed).  She played bass notes with her left hand, and used her entire right arm and smashed all the keys on the right side of the piano.  Very effective!!.

Second, it was dramatically complex, with the choir and the characters moving to various locations as the story progressed.  Even the storytellers moved from one place to another, and they were also members of the choir.  There were combinations of the choir singing and characters speaking.  Particularly noteworthy was the character of Herod (that was certainly some perfect casting)!  The choir (the people of Judea) are singing about the one who is coming to be their king, and Herod is yelling  "I'm the king of the Jews!"  repeatedly throughout the number.  It was most dynamic!

The person who wrote the narrative parts intentionally and unabashedly used humor.  For example, when it got to the part where Mary announces that she is with child,  one of the storytellers steps up and talks to the audience:  "This is the part nobody likes."    Joseph says:  'How do you think I feel?'   A little later, as the action moves forward,  Joseph looks out at the audience and says:  "Why am I in this story anyway?"  [Later that question is answered. He helps Mary and the baby escape to Egypt]   Parts of the "play" could be described as melodrama,  which is characterized by the actors stepping out of their roles, to comment on what was happening.

The costumes were extraordinary, Broadway-worthy.   Hats off to the director and the accompanist! There was so much music and movement to coordinate! There were thirty two choir members and actors, and a great deal of talent all around. Thrown into the mix were chimes and bells,  snare and cymbal,  handbells and French horn.

What an engaging and moving and memorable Christmas Cantata!