oratorio

/,ɔrə'tɔ:riou/

Thân thiện

A choir performs an oratorio in a concert hall.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large-scale musical work for voices and orchestra, typically based on a religious text: An oratorio is a substantial musical composition that features solo singers, a choir, and an orchestra. It is similar to an opera in its dramatic and narrative structure but is usually performed in a concert setting without scenery, costumes, or acting. Its subject matter is most often sacred or religious.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Handel's "Messiah" is one of the most famous oratorios in the classical repertoire.
  • The choir spent months rehearsing for the performance of the Easter oratorio.
  • Unlike an opera, an oratorio is usually performed as a concert piece.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The oratorio form developed in the 17th century, with its name deriving from the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in Rome, where such works were first performed.
  • The oratorio evolved as a musical alternative to opera during the Lenten season when theaters were closed.

Variants and Related Words

• Oratorios (n): The plural form.
  • The festival will feature three different oratorios by Bach.

Synonyms

• Sacred cantata: A shorter, similar form of sacred choral music.
• Choral symphony: A large orchestral work with choir, though not always religious.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cantata