Oratorio
noun
A large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, to be performed without costumes, scenery, or acting.
The church choir will be performing Handel's oratorio 'Messiah' this Christmas.
Often appears as...
- perform an oratorio
- compose an oratorio
noun
A large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, to be performed without costumes, scenery, or acting.
The church choir will be performing Handel's oratorio 'Messiah' this Christmas.
Often appears as...
- perform an oratorio
- compose an oratorio
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Religious Narratives
Often tells a story from the Bible or has a spiritual theme, but not always exclusively religious.
Bach composed the oratorio 'St. Matthew Passion' which depicts the Passion of Christ.
Pro Tip 2/3Concert Performance
Oratorios are meant for listening in a live performance. They are not staged like operas.
I attended an oratorio and was moved by the powerful combination of choral and orchestral music.
Pro Tip 3/3No Costumes
Unlike operas, performers in an oratorio don't wear costumes or act out the narrative.
The vocalists stood in formal attire as they sang the oratorio.
Pro Tip 1/3Religious Narratives
Often tells a story from the Bible or has a spiritual theme, but not always exclusively religious.
Bach composed the oratorio 'St. Matthew Passion' which depicts the Passion of Christ.
Pro Tip 2/3Concert Performance
Oratorios are meant for listening in a live performance. They are not staged like operas.
I attended an oratorio and was moved by the powerful combination of choral and orchestral music.
Pro Tip 3/3No Costumes
Unlike operas, performers in an oratorio don't wear costumes or act out the narrative.
The vocalists stood in formal attire as they sang the oratorio.
Pro Tip 1/3Religious Narratives
Often tells a story from the Bible or has a spiritual theme, but not always exclusively religious.
Bach composed the oratorio 'St. Matthew Passion' which depicts the Passion of Christ.
Pro Tip 2/3Concert Performance
Oratorios are meant for listening in a live performance. They are not staged like operas.
I attended an oratorio and was moved by the powerful combination of choral and orchestral music.
Pro Tip 3/3No Costumes
Unlike operas, performers in an oratorio don't wear costumes or act out the narrative.
The vocalists stood in formal attire as they sang the oratorio.
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Quote examples
Krzysztof Penderecki
Polish Composer
I don't believe in a composer who is only able to compose, who can't play or conduct, can only use a computer. If that trend continues there will be no more symphonies, no more oratorios.
Quote examples
Mikis Theodorakis
Greek Composer
I wanted to unite the popular and the serious, and to make a popular symphony, a popular oratorio.
Quote examples
Alan Dean Foster
American Author
I hear entire symphonies, oratorios, in my head, but I can't write a note.
Quote examples
Krzysztof Penderecki
Polish Composer
I don't believe in a composer who is only able to compose, who can't play or conduct, can only use a computer. If that trend continues there will be no more symphonies, no more oratorios.
Quote examples
Mikis Theodorakis
Greek Composer
I wanted to unite the popular and the serious, and to make a popular symphony, a popular oratorio.
Quote examples
Alan Dean Foster
American Author
I hear entire symphonies, oratorios, in my head, but I can't write a note.
Example 1 of 3
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