Oratorios

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A large-scale vocal and orchestral work often based on sacred texts is typically performed by choirs and soloists, emphasizing narrative and spiritual themes
2. This form of musical expression integrates choir, soloists, and orchestral music, usually illustrating religious narratives without the theatrical elements found in operas
3. A lengthy musical piece combining choir, solo voices, and orchestra, usually telling a sacred or serious story without staging

Etymology: Oratorios are the plural of "oratorio," and the singular itself is a loan from Italian "oratorio," meaning "oratorical." That Italian adjective comes from Latin "ōrātōrius," the same root that gave English "oratory," so the two words are doublets: one arrived through Italian and took on a musical sense, the other came more directly and kept the sense of public speaking. The musical meaning grew from the name's association with a particular kind of religious performance, which is why a word meaning "oratorical" now names a large work for voices and orchestra on sacred subjects.