Oratorio (Noun)
Meaning
A musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer spent several years working on his magnum opus, a sprawling oratorio that told the story of the creation of the world.
- Handel's "Messiah" is a famous example of an oratorio, a majestic blend of choruses, arias, and orchestral music.
- The choir rehearsed tirelessly to perfect their performance of the oratorio, which would be performed in a major concert hall.
- The oratorio's text was drawn from the Book of Job, with the composer using the ancient story to explore themes of faith and doubt.
- The conductor specialized in performing Baroque oratorios, and his interpretations of Bach's works were particularly renowned for their clarity and passion.