Oratorio
(or-ah-TOR-ree-oe)


[It.]

Large scale dramatic composition originating in the 17th century with text ususally based on religious subjects. Oratorios are perfomed by choruses and solo voices with an instrumental accompaniment, and are similar to operas but without costumes, scenery and actions.

SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:

Oratorio, Baroque:
Handel: Samson, "Let the Bright Seraphim"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 2, Track 54

Oratorio, Classical:
Haydn: The Creation, "Achieved is the glorious work"

W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 3, Track 7
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