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.
Compare oratorio with other words:
chorus vs. oratorio
aria vs. oratorio
mobile vs. oratorio
arioso vs. oratorio
cantata vs. oratorio
opera vs. oratorio