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"A musical composition for voices and orchestra, telling a sacred story without costumes, scenery, or dramatic action. [Italian, after Oratorio, the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri at Rome, where famous musical services were held in the 16th century.]. From Answers.com It differs from Opera in that there is no particular plot or interactions. It is often a piece of scripture set to music.

Bach, Handel, and Haydn are just three composers noted for their oratorios. Handel's Messiah is probably the best known example. In this, various portions of scripture related to the promised Messiah, the events surrounding Jesus' birth, and the promise of his second coming are directly quoted and woven into a brilliantly cohesive and varied whole. Typically, oratorio is for any combination of orchestra, choir, soloist, and organ. All of these are used in the Messiah.

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15y ago
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12y ago

An oratorio is a large musical composition.

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Q: What is an 'oratorio'?
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Related questions

What is the title of this composers famous oratorio?

The oratorio, Messiah, by Handel/


When was Occasional Oratorio created?

Occasional Oratorio was created in 1746.


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Abimelech - oratorio - was created in 1768.


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Christmas Oratorio was created in 1734.


What is an oratorio and what is different between it and an opera?

An oratorio is a large vocal and instrumental dramatic work based on a sacred subject. The main difference between an oratorio and an opera is that an oratorio has no staging or costumes.


Is an oratorio a secular vocal work?

An oratorio can be both secular and religious.


The most popular oratorio is?

The most popular oratorio is Handel's Messiah.


When was BYU Oratorio Choir created?

BYU Oratorio Choir was created in 1961.


Who performs in an oratorio?

An oratorio does not have acting, scenery, or costumes as an opera does but does have arias, recitatives, chorus, and orchestra.


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Is messiah by Handel an opera?

Handel's Messiah is an Oratorio, which is basically an opera without a stage. The Messiah is one of the few of Handel's Oratorio's without characters, which leads to the confusion expressed by many people (including yourself). The oratorio itself has a colorful place in music history; Handel's turning to the genre occured after the British public lost taste for his operas.


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