oratorio

noun

or·​a·​to·​rio ˌȯr-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-ˌō 

ˌär-

plural oratorios

: a lengthy choral work usually of a religious nature consisting chiefly of recitatives, arias, and choruses without action or scenery

Examples of oratorio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Handel, a rich celebrity, seems to have donated his share of the oratorio’s proceeds to hospitals and orphanages. —Bob Blaisdell, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024

Jennens, meanwhile, had no idea that Handel had, in a matter of about three weeks, fashioned the entire oratorio in his usual adroit way of recomposing airs from his own trove of Italian operas and bringing to life a bundle of new songs and choruses. —Bob Blaisdell, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024

The oratorio is a feat of sustained inspiration arguably unsurpassed in the canon of Western classical music. —Jan Swafford, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024

This year marks the 70th singing of the classic oratorio. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from the Oratorio di San Filippo Neri (Oratory of St. Philip Neri) in Rome

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oratorio

noun

or·​a·​to·​rio ˌȯr-ə-ˈtōr-ē-ˌō 

ˌär-,

-ˈtȯr-

plural oratorios

: a vocal and orchestral work usually dramatizing a religious subject without action or scenery