Oratorio

[,ɒrə'tɔːrɪəʊ] or [,ɔrə'tɔrɪo]

Definition

(n.) A more or less dramatic text or poem, founded on some Scripture nerrative, or great divine event, elaborately set to music, in recitative, arias, grand choruses, etc., to be sung with an orchestral accompaniment, but without action, scenery, or costume, although the oratorio grew out of the Mysteries and the Miracle and Passion plays, which were acted.

(n.) Performance or rendering of such a composition.

Edited by Gertrude

Definition

n. a sacred story set to music which as in the opera requires soloists chorus and full orchestra for its performance the theatrical adjuncts however of scenery costumes and acting bring dispensed with.

Typed by Hester