[ noun ] a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text <noun.communication>
Oratorio \Or`a*to"ri*o\, n. [It., fr. L. oratorius belonging to praying. See {Orator}, and cf. {Oratory}.] 1. (Mus.) 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.
Note: There are instances of secular and mythological subjects treated in the form of the oratorios, and called oratorios by their composers; as Haydn's ``Seasons,'' Handel's ``Semele,'' etc.
2. Performance or rendering of such a composition.
For 50 years, Sir Michael has been writing his philosophical reflections on world events into his oratorio and opera libretti, ever since T.S. Eliot gave him some tips for writing "A Child of Our Time," which became his first major success.
What still seems the most heartfelt and genuinely affecting of his published prose is the lengthy preface he wrote to his libretto for Michael Berkeley's anti-nuclear oratorio Or Shall We Die?
But there is also some more exotic fare, such as Massenet's oratorio La Vierge at St Vitus Cathedral, the Prague Madrigalists singing sacred music by Zelenka, and the Suk Chamber Orchestra playing lesser-known Czech composers.
The Maryland oratorio performances use first version as base text.
Further concerts tonight and Saturday When the oratorio Belshazzar had its first performance in 1745, it was performed at the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, which Handel had booked for the winter season.
MUSIC Handel & Haydn Society, conducted by Christopher Hogwood, performs Handel's fiery oratorio, "Athalia."