oratorio

[ awr-uh-tawr-ee-oh, -tohr-, or- ]

noun

, plural or·a·to·ri·os.

1. an extended musical composition with a text more or less dramatic in character and usually based upon a religious theme, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, and performed without action, costume, or scenery.

oratorio

/ ˌɒrəˈtɔːrɪəʊ /

noun

1. a dramatic but unstaged musical composition for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, based on a religious theme

oratorio

1. A musical composition for voices and orchestra , telling a religious story.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oratorio¹

1625–35; < Italian: small chapel < Late Latin ōrātōrium oratory ²; so named from the musical services in the church of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Rome

Word History and Origins

Origin of oratorio¹

C18: from Italian, literally: oratory ², referring to the Church of the Oratory at Rome where musical services were held

Example Sentences

From the opening bar to the close of the Oratorio the club members listened entranced.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be counted extravagant to buy a book, or a ticket to an oratorio or a concert to hear the best music.

From Project Gutenberg

This oratorio, as it strikes me, has certain qualities both of sentiment and of expression.

From Project Gutenberg

I was sitting as I should sit at an oratorio, in devout and rapt contemplation.

From Project Gutenberg

If you can make use of the Oratorio, I can send you all the parts written out, so that the outlay may be less for the poor.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chant
• ditty
• paean
• psalm