Is baroque music played in an oratorio?

Answer 1

The oratorio began early in the Baroque era as a sacred equivalent to the Opera, so the two styles grew up simultaneously. The oratorio did tend to feature more choral singing, however, and that choral singing was typically in the more complex counterpoint typical of much of Baroque sacred music.

The oratorios of Handel were so successful that they continued to inspire musicians of the next era (Classical), so some of the more old-fashioned Baroque characteristics (especially the choral style) were carried over into the works of, for example, Haydn (e.g. his Creation oratorio).

In the next era (Romantic), one of the prominent oratorio composers was Felix Mendelssohn (e.g. his Elijah). Mendelssohn was a great admirer of J.S. Bach, and practically kick-started the modern appreciation of Bach by conducting the first major performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in over 50 years. It was natural, then, that Mendelssohn would be strongly influenced by the Baroque church music of his idol (not to mention that both were Lutheran).

In the modern era, of course, anything goes--but yes, it is likely that a given oratorio bears at least some of the stamp of the Baroque era.

Answer 2

Answer 1: No it isn't

Answer 2: Technically no. Baroque music belongs to its own period, the Baroque period (1600-1760). It was followed by the Classical period (1750-1830). Baroque music and Classical Music differ in terms of Music Theory, instrumentation, and key people. However, a lot of people (laymen) generalize pre-1900s music as "Classical music", so you could call Baroque music Classical music. Also, instead of using the term "Classical music" you could use the term "Serious music"

Answer 3

An oratorio is a large musical composition comprised of an orchestra, a choir and soloists. Similar to an opera in the story telling, but different in it is just music not singing. Baroque references the time frame of 1600-1750 when the oratorio was written.