Oratorio: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
oratorio
[ ษหrษหtษษriษส ]
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:
๐ต๐น oratรณrio
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฏเคจ เคจเคพเคเค
๐ฉ๐ช Oratorium
๐ฎ๐ฉ oratori
๐บ๐ฆ ะพัะฐัะพััั
๐ต๐ฑ oratorium
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใฉใใชใช
๐ซ๐ท oratorio
๐ช๐ธ oratorio
๐น๐ท oratoryo
๐ฐ๐ท ์ค๋ผํ ๋ฆฌ์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูุฑุงุชูุฑูู
๐จ๐ฟ oratorium
๐ธ๐ฐ oratรณrium
๐จ๐ณ ๆธ ๅฑๅง
๐ธ๐ฎ oratorij
๐ฎ๐ธ oratorio
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะพัะฐัะพัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแขแแ แแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ oratoriya
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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 Handelโs '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.