Meanings
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1
noun
a large musical work for orchestra, choir, and solo voices, usually on a sacred subject and performed without staging, costumes, or scenery
The choir rehearsed the final chorus of the oratorio with the full orchestra.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian oratorio, originally a musical work performed in an oratory, from Late Latin oratorium, 'place of prayer.' The name shifted from the devotional setting to the unstaged dramatic choral composition performed there.