Oratorio: meaning, definitions and examples

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oratorio

 

[ ษ”หrษ™หˆtษ›ษ™riษ™สŠ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical composition

An oratorio is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists. It is typically based on a religious theme and is performed without costumes or acting. The narrative usually follows a scriptural text, and the work is generally structured in multiple sections, including recitatives, arias, and choruses. Oratorios are often performed in concert settings, especially during religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Synonyms

cantata, musical work, sacred music

Examples of usage

  • Handel's Messiah is a well-known oratorio.
  • The oratorio was performed in the cathedral.
  • She sang a solo in the oratorio during the concert.
  • Many composers have written oratorios throughout history.

Translations

Translations of the word "oratorio" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oratรณrio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคพเคฏเคจ เคจเคพเคŸเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Oratorium

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ oratori

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพั€ะฐั‚ะพั€ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ oratorium

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒฉใƒˆใƒชใ‚ช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท oratorio

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oratorio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท oratoryo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜ค๋ผํ† ๋ฆฌ์˜ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃูˆุฑุงุชูˆุฑูŠูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oratorium

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ oratรณrium

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆธ…ๅ”ฑๅ‰ง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ oratorij

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ oratorio

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพั€ะฐั‚ะพั€ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒแƒขแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oratoriya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ oratorio

Word origin

The term 'oratorio' originates from the Italian word for 'oration' or 'prayer', which reflects its religious roots. The genre developed in the early 17th century in Italy, primarily as a means of conveying religious narratives through music. Early examples were performed in oratories, which were places of prayer and worship. Composers like Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and later George Frideric Handel played a crucial role in popularizing the form, with Handelโ€™s 'Messiah' becoming one of the most performed oratorios in the world. The oratorio blends elements of opera, such as vocal soloists and choruses, with sacred themes, creating a unique musical experience that remains significant in both religious and concert repertoires.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,669, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.