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oratorio

(ôr′ə tôr′ē ō′, är′-)

a long, dramatic musical composition, usually on a religious theme, consisting of arias, recitatives, choruses, etc. sung to orchestral accompaniment but without stage action, scenery, or costumes

Origin: It, lit., small chapel (< LL(Ec) oratorium: see oratory, sense ): from the performance of such compositions at the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in Rome

See oratorio in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. or·a·to·ri·os

A musical composition for voices and orchestra, telling a sacred story without costumes, scenery, or dramatic action.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: , after Oratorio, the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri at Rome, where famous musical services were held in the 16th century

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