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

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

Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' Music director Ken-David Masur leads the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in the first three of this oratorio's six cantatas, which commemorate the birth of Jesus, the annunciation to shepherds and the adoration of the shepherds. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024

His stature is owed above all to a single work—the oratorio Messiah. —Jan Swafford, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024

The oratorio, plus related music, will be performed twice each day in the Appel Room by the Jazz at Pride Orchestra on October 18 and 19 and also be streamed. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 18 Oct. 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