Definitions for oratorioˌɔr əˈtɔr iˌoʊ, -ˈtoʊr-, ˌɒr-

ADVERTISEMENT

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

or•a•to•ri•oˌɔr əˈtɔr iˌoʊ, -ˈtoʊr-, ˌɒr-(n.)(pl.)-ri•os.

  1. an extended musical work usu. based upon a religious theme, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, and performed without action, costume, or scenery.

    Category: Music and Dance

Origin of oratorio:

1625–35; < It: small chapel < LL ōrātōriumoratory2; so named from the musical services of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Rome

Princeton's WordNet

  1. cantata, oratorio(noun)

    a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text

Wiktionary

  1. oratorio(Noun)

    A musical composition on a religious theme; similar to opera but with no costume, scenery or acting.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

  1. Oratorio

    a musical composition on a sacred theme, dramatic in form and associated with orchestral accompaniments, but without scenic accessories; it derives its name from the oratory of St. Philip Neri at Rome, in which a composition of the kind was first performed, and was a musical development of the miracle plays (q. v.).


Translations for oratorio

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary

oratorical(adjective)

the art of speaking well in public.

Get even more translations for oratorio »


Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"oratorio." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 19 Jun 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/oratorio>.


The Web's Largest Resource for

Definitions & Translations


A Member Of The STANDS4 Network


Nearby & related entries:

Alternative searches for oratorio: