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Oratorio - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Oratorio : (noun)
1: a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a
religious text [syn: cantata]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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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.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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